Growing Stronger
I’ve spent about ten minutes trying to figure out how to begin this newsletter. The common greeting in these uncommon times goes something like this, “I hope this letter finds you and your family well.” I do of course but I also hope you’re growing stronger too.
Learning from this crisis, or any crisis, is likely the best outcome we can ever hope for. What if we go through this and then everything goes back to normal? Wouldn’t it be great to take what we’ve learned during this time and put it to use?
What if things don’t go back to the way they were? Wouldn’t you have wanted to learn to do things differently to help you make it past the worries of today and to be able to thrive in the future? That’s what small businesses and the communities they are in all over the country are trying to do. Nobody knows how all this will shake out in the end, but if we want the end to be better, there are things we need to do now.
Your favorite businesses in Downtown DeLand are learning new things. They are learning to better promote their businesses and the products they sell. They are getting better at reaching you and inviting you to be a part of their businesses and their lives. They are getting better at finding ways for you feel safe when you come downtown to their shop or restaurant.
Who could have imagined being at a New Year’s Eve party about 6 months ago and saying, “You need to sing Happy Birthday twice while washing your hands in warm soapy water”. Who knew you’d have to go at least 4 months before using your Annual Disney Pass again. And, who knew that a pandemic would threaten your favorite downtown businesses.
Three years ago we were celebrating winning the America’s Main Streets award. Now we wholeheartedly invite you to come back to your amazing downtown. Downtown businesses are trying hard to keep things safe for you, their employees, and themselves. Sanitize, Keep Social Distance, and Mask Up! We will do what we can for you and hope you will do what you can for us.
Check out our Downtown businesses and member directories on www.MainStreetDeLand.org. Shop local online if you like. Curbside pickup is still available.
And when you’re ready, we hope to see you in Downtown DeLand again!
Wayne Carter Executive
Director MainStreet
DeLand Association