Monday, April 27, 2020

Sheltering in Place While Supporting Local Business


Batman Arkham Knight

Locally in San Benito County, the novel corona virus shelter in place (SIP) began on March 17th....the day I was hired as Public Information Officer (PIO).

That day, many local businesses had but a few hours to figure out what their next steps were. The shelter in place rumors had been swirling around for a few days granted. Other communities had already enacted them around our country. But it was a shock to our locals. Heck it was a shock to me. I mean holy paradigm shifts Batman...

So as we ventured into the days and weeks ahead, we got some clarity on the "rules". Some businesses moved to delivery or take-out schemes. Other businesses closed because their business model didn't really allow much wiggle room. Other businesses had to close because they were defined as non-essential by the Public Health Order and or the Governors Executive Order. 

My point, all businesses, job sites, projects and other things that keep food on the table and bills paid are in fact by definition, essential. That not even disputable. 

Now we are in a quandary. Many us are home for the SIP / Stay at Home order. Some of us are still working. To maintain our societal norms, we need folks working, kids in school to keep the machine of our economy to chug forth. 

From my desk, I cannot do much to change any of it. But I have some suggestions to help our local businesses. After all;
  • Who supports your kid’s soccer team with a sponsorship?
  • Who lets your Girl Scout or Boy Scout sale their fundraiser items in front of their businesses?
  • Who employs your friends, family and your teenage son/daughter for their first job?
  • Who grows and produces your food?
  • Whose sales tax generation supports local public services and infrastructure?
  • Who has a neighbor, friend or family that is local business owners?
The answer is of course local businesses. Reminder, local owners also own franchises, so don't dismiss them either. 

Here is what I am asking you try to do:
Support local businesses!

Louder for people in the back - Support local businesses!


  1. Purchase take out items from local restaurants, kitchens and to-go spots. Tip your servers
  2. Buy locally sourced produce if possible.
  3. Support our local super markets (corporate or local) they employee of a lot of local people.
  4. If you need service on your vehicle - Local shop
  5. If you need an emergency repair - plumber, construction, roofing, cement, etc.....whatever your emergency - Use local please
  6. Comment on social media often about your excellent experiences using local vendors

After SIP

1.     Same as previous list
2.     Shop at local business that were closed for SIP and 
3.     Use local services that were closed for SIP
4.     Encourage your fellow residents to do the same
5.     Comment on social media often about your excellent experiences using local vendors. 

My chief thoughts today are all places that employ people are essential and we need to support them with our wallets, period. 

Just a few thoughts as I am drinking my morning coffee......as always be nice to each other.

Dave 




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