Help Your Favorite Local Business During the Coronavirus Emergency

Small businesses of every persuasion are taking a hit from the social distancing measures connected with the COVID-19 pandemic.

I wish I could say this was my idea, but it's not. Credit goes to my old friend and co-worker Jeffrey Parsons. Once upon a time we worked together in the hospitality business in St. Thomas, USVI. We were there on September 11, 2001, and saw the negative economic effect on small businesses.

So here it goes, lightly edited from a Facebook post.

• Today, at work, I was out in the community speaking with my customers - small business restaurant owners in my local market. They are losing their customers, but not the fixed costs of running their businesses.

• This situation, happening across the world today, is having a devastating effect on our independent small business community. If all of us pitched in, in whatever way works for us, the effect on them would be significant.

• Here is my challenge to everyone that I hold dear, respect and admire:

• 1st, call your top 5 favorite restaurants and order a gift certificate that you can redeem once this period is over.

• 2nd, call you top 5 favorite small, local businesses and do the same. If they are on the first list, pick another business.

• 3rd, If you are in a position, and you can afford to do so, tear up the gift certificates.

• My family and I commit to do so ourselves.

• Finally, if you agree, share with all your friends that you also hold dear, respect and admire. Together we can have an amazing effect on our communities simply as individuals.

• PS: If you can't do 5 of each, pick your own number, make a difference, support each other the best you can.

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Email me at WritetoDougPorter@Gmail.com