A Message to Our Members: Planning Ahead in an Evolving Business Climate
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A Message to Our Members: Planning Ahead in an Evolving Business Climate

April 7, 2025

As small business owners in Truckee, many of you operate on tight margins while providing essential goods and services that make our community unique. We know you care deeply about your customers—your neighbors, friends, and fellow locals—and that raising prices or adjusting operations is never an easy decision. However, with ongoing challenges around supply chains, inflation, and economic uncertainty, planning ahead is not just smart—it’s necessary.

A core part of the Truckee Chamber’s mission is to provide practical tools and resources that help you stay resilient and ready. Here are some proactive steps to consider as we navigate an unpredictable business landscape together:

  • Take Stock of Your Inventory Regularly log what you have on hand and what you may need in the coming months. Whether you’re running a retail shop, restaurant, or service-based business, knowing what items are most affected by rising costs or shipping delays can help you prioritize smart purchasing.
  • Buy Ahead, When You Can If you have the space and capital, consider stocking up on key items now, especially those you expect to rise in price or have been harder to source. Buying before new price hikes take effect could offer you cost savings and operational peace of mind.
  • Evaluate Your Suppliers Now is a good time to revisit who you’re buying from. Are you getting the best deal? Are your items traveling long distances or subject to tariffs and delays? When possible, switching to more local or domestic suppliers can offer both savings and reliability.
  • Forecast with Flexibility Think ahead about what you’ll need and when, and consider how rising prices could impact your margins. Having a rough calendar of your supply needs can help you adjust pricing in time, not after the fact.
  • Keep Your Customers Informed If you do need to raise prices, change products, or reduce services, transparency goes a long way. We’re seeing more businesses build loyalty by communicating honestly with their customers. A quick note on a menu, website, or social media post can build empathy and understanding.
  • Ask for Help Early If your business is struggling or anticipating a hard season, reach out. Truckee has a strong network of business support organizations, including the Chamber, Town of Truckee, and the Sierra Business Council. We’re here to help connect you with tools, advice, and resources when you need them most.

We’re also taking this opportunity to remind our wider community that small, locally owned businesses are the heart of Truckee. They’re the reason our town feels authentic, vibrant, and welcoming. When you support local, especially during the slower seasons or tougher economic moments, you’re helping sustain the people and places that make Truckee home.

If a local business makes the tough call to raise prices or shift operations, we ask that you show grace, patience, and continued support. They are doing everything they can to weather uncertainty while serving this incredible community.

With you and for you,

Jessica Penman
President & CEO
Truckee Chamber of Commerce