By Scott Cook
March 19, 2020
Longmonsters! These are challenging times for Longmont business owners and employees. In the past few days, I’ve had a number of conversations with business owners who are concerned for their business and their employees. I’ve talked to employees who share that uncertainty for their jobs and what the future holds for them. These are not easy or fun conversations to have one-on-one. But they are important.
I think about the broader picture, of our entire community, and wonder what Longmont will be like when COVID-19 has subsided. It’s easy to think about the here and now, but for those of you who are financially able, I’m asking you to think about our collective future. During these past few years of economic expansion, our city has grown. Businesses both large and small had a big part in that. Business owners took risks, and we as community members benefited from that. Never before in our community have we had the wide array of choices in professional services, restaurants, employment opportunities – the list goes on. The question now is, how much of that will continue? I want to be careful how I say this, as many in our community are now or will soon be facing financial strains, but if you are able, now is the time to make investments in the community you want to see after COVID-19. Longmont is still open for business.
Let me tell you about a few business interactions I had today. At lunch time, I called CYCLHOPS Restaurant to order take out, (600 S Airport Rd, 720-600-5964). New owner Anita Gray, along with her team Irene and Adam, cooked up a wonderful lunch. Then, I ran to Ace Hardware (1727 Main Street, 303-776-5173), because it’s almost Spring and I need supplies for the yard. Owner Kirsten Pellicer and employee Larry told me that during this time Ace will deliver purchases to your car or even to your home! I’ve also stocked my freezer. I did it with a Longmont business in mind. Later in the day, I purchased a ticket for the Longmont Symphony’s concert on April 4th.
Wait? Wasn’t the Longmont Symphony Orchestra concert scheduled for April 4 cancelled? Yes, there is no concert April 4. I purchased a ticket (a donation in the amount of the ticket) so that I will be able to attend when COVID-19 is only a memory and I’ll be there in person again. If you enjoy Longmont restaurants and retailers, rely on services provided by Longmont business, enjoy the arts in Longmont, please consider for a moment what our community would be like without them. Our business owners and employees are resilient, but they need your continued support.
A few ideas to get you started or information to share with coworkers, friends and family:
The Chamber’s LongmontRestaurantWeek.com website will soon be converted to a list of Longmont restaurants open for take out and drive through.
We are compiling a list of all retailers selling gift cards online for future use.
Visit www.longmont.org/covid-19 for a complete list of business and employee resources. This is where Advance Longmont partners are sharing all information each organization receives in one coordinated space.
Click the above badge to go to the Center for Disease Control website.
Help Prevent the Spread of Disease in Longmont:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Practice respiratory etiquette: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Wash your hands after sneezing.
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.