Utah Business Loses $1 Million Amid Coronavirus Concerns, Social Distancing

Mar 13, 2020, 11:10 PM

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Businesses that bring people together are taking a hit in Utah as concerns over the coronavirus continue to push people farther apart.

From business expos to holiday decoration to retail, Modern Display does it all. President and CEO Taylor Vriens said business has been very good the last several years, but the company has taken a beating from concerns over COVID-19 over the last few weeks.

“The whole event industry has just fallen off a cliff,” Vriens said. “Business we’ve had on the books for months and even years is just gone like that.”

Federal and local health officials have urged people to keep their distance as much as possible to prevent the virus from spreading.

On Thursday, Gov. Gary Herbert announced new recommendations that included avoiding large gatherings of more than 100 people. Not to mention the impact the virus is having at stores, on sports and even at work where possible.

Vriens said clients have called to cancel at least 13 events over the last couple of weeks, leaving the month of March empty. That’s a loss of more than $1 million in business.

“This time of year that event and exposition business is really carrying the rest of the company,” he said.

The sudden loss in business and revenue coupled with the uncertainty that COVID-19 brings prompted Vriens to cut back hours for part-time workers, adjust salaries for full-time employees and even lay off some people.

“We feel like our business is a family and to tell somebody that they’re going to be making less money or they’re going to be losing their job…it’s gut-wrenching,” Vriens said. And as president of Visit Salt Lake, he knows all the canceled events are also hurting the hotel, restaurant and transportation industries.

The experience has taken him back to the struggles his business faced after 9/11 and the financial crisis in 2008. Still, he said, “this is probably the scariest if the three I’ve been through.”

“There is so much uncertainty we don’t know what comes next,” he said.

Vriens understands the precautions and recommendations surrounding the coronavirus. He can only hope that the state stays ahead of the virus so it doesn’t keep more people away from each other and from his business in the coming months.

KSL 5 TV Live

President Donald Trump is pictured before boarding Air Force One at the Naval Air Station Joint Res...

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Eagles Deny Chiefs Super Bowl Three-Peat With Dominant Defense In 40-22 Rout

The Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Taylor Swift Booed By Super Bowl Crowd As She Watches Travis Kelce, Chiefs

Taylor Swift was back at the Super Bowl to watch Travis Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

4 hours ago

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean (33) scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass ...

Associated Press

Eagles deny the Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat with dominant defense in 40-22 rout

Cooper DeJean, Josh Sweat and the Philadelphia Eagles’ ferocious defense denied Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs a Super Bowl three-peat.

5 hours ago

Utah's Capitol building...

Mariah Maynes

Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

Utah Anglers Coalition will host an event highlighting Utah fishing at the Capitol on Feb. 10.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Eagles Dominate First Half Of Super Bowl En Route To 24-0 Lead

The Philadelphia Eagles could do no wrong on either side of the ball in the first half of Super Bowl LIX as they soared to a 24-0 lead by halftime.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Utah Business Loses $1 Million Amid Coronavirus Concerns, Social Distancing