Kudos to Dolle’s owner Tom Ibach

Thank you, Tom Ibach.

Your letter to the Gazette exemplifies what too many non-business owners are ignorant of; we business owners more often than not have both a heart and community responsibility. As common targets of the miffed and disappointed, we rarely respond because we know there is a level of futility involved.

In this case, the response cleared the air in many ways, not the least of which is Mr. Ibach's obvious knowledge of the status of that sign in people's memories and associations with Rehoboth Beach. Kudos, Mr. Ibach, this retired businessman applauds your response. Let's hope all of your complainers read this piece. I'd reprint it larger and put it in the window of your store, but that's just me.

Further, has anybody considered putting pressure on the new owners of that property to encourage them to find a way to ameliorate that loss? Could they incorporate a redesigned Dolle's sign for their new building? How about a photo opportunity on that same corner? Or, could they meet with the city and try to be a good neighbor in some other way? Simply dumping it off seems extreme, but business is business I suppose.

But, man, how big a hero would they become if they were to solve this in conjunction with a committee of truly rabid Dolle's sign lovers?

It could be a great entry into town, Mr. New Property Owner!