COVID-19 Safe Ambassador Program Launches in Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region – Today, the Region of Waterloo and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge Chambers of Commerce announced the formal launch of the COVID-19 Safe Ambassador Program.

The program, which is the first of its kind in Canada, provides free education and one-on-one guidance to help small & medium sized businesses in Waterloo Region to minimize COVID-19 risks. Since the onset of COVID-related safety measures, business have been asking for increased clarity and information on how to operate safely in different stages of the Province’s framework. The COVID-Safe Program is a direct response to this need so that businesses have a specialized place to get information and training.

Businesses who participate in this voluntary program receive a visit from an ambassador who will ask a few questions, and provide educational information and one-on-one consultation on COVID-19 risks and operating requirements. Upon successful completion of a visit, the business will receive a COVID-19 Safe window cling to be displayed in their front window or door. The idea is to give business owners peace of mind, while providing employees and patrons with additional confidence that the business has made COVID safety a top priority.

Program ambassadors, who have been trained by NSF International, a global health and safety organization, kicked off their work on June 7, going door-to-door to business in Waterloo Region offering the free and voluntary service. In their first week alone, ambassadors visited over 200 businesses. 

“We’ve worked with thousands of businesses around the world to develop and verify appropriate COVID-19 safety measures,” said Paul Medeiros, Managing Director of Consulting and Technical Services for North America at NSF International. “The Waterloo Region is demonstrating great support for local businesses and our NSF ambassadors are the backbone of the program – out there every day helping business owners and managers meet the COVID-19 safety requirements and establish trust with their customers and employees.”

"NSF International COVID-19 Ambassadors were informative, helpful, and guided us through all of the sensitive questions we had to ensure we are successfully operating our hotel in a responsible, and safe manner,” said Vittoria Trinchi, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Homewood Suites and the Hampton Inn & Suites. “Their knowledge, and up-to-date resources had assisted us immensely and we do trust that this certification will be a huge confidence builder when welcoming our guests back to travel with us."

“We’re pleased to be able to support this program through our $3 million Strategic Investments for Business Supports,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “This program is designed to increase customer confidence, which will be critical to our economic recovery as we reopen.”

“The Greater KW and Cambridge Chambers are pleased to partner with the Region of Waterloo to offer this free program to help local businesses operate safely.” Ian McLean, President & CEO, Greater KW Chamber of Commerce. “Waterloo Region was the first region in the country to pilot the successful rapid screening program and we are pleased to once again be leading the country with the launch of the COVID-Safe Ambassador program.” Greg Durocher, President & CEO, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

Included in an Ambassador visit is a toolkit of resources for businesses, including a free box of surgical-grade medical masks, kindly donated by Eclipse Automation for the small business community in Waterloo Region.

Businesses who are interested in learning more, or would like to request an ambassador visit, can visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ambassador.

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