There is no question 2020 has been a year for the books. So much has happened over the past several months, and the end isn't quite in site yet!
Last week, Governor Reynolds ordered immediate business closures in six counties in Iowa. These businesses were not given much time to prepare or create a plan for how they would navigate the next few weeks to keep their businesses viable. We've joked a bit that 'pivot' should be the keyword for 2020, but the truth is our small business owners have had to pivot nearly weekly for the past six months.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Iowa it seems somewhat likely that business closures may be extended and more may be on the way. Let me tell you something -- many of our small businesses may not be able to endure another round of closures. It has been a tough year and another mandatory shutdown may just be the writing on the wall for more of them to consider permanent closures. We do not want to see that happen in our community -- our small business owners are resilient and innovative, but there's only so much that is in their hands.
Today's newsletter is not intended to debate our differences of opinion as it relates to the pandemic; however, we know this one thing: masking up will allow our businesses to remain open and it will allow things to get back to 'normal' - whatever that may look like. Will you join us and many of our partners in wearing a mask to ensure our businesses are able to stay open? Grinnell small businesses are friends, family and neighbors to many - let's do our part to continue to support them.
This is the fundamental reason we support the #MaskUpGrinnell campaign - to ensure our businesses are able to stay open.
--Rachael Kinnick
p.s. If you are in need of additional masks, or would like to purchase some #MaskUpGrinnell themed masks, visit maskupgrinnell.com and secure your order at a discounted price today. Hurry, prices increase this Saturday, September 5!