When you walk into Grotto PIzza, Arena’s, most any local restaurant, or any small business, you may sometimes see plaques of appreciation from local youth sports teams or a thank you from a local community organization for that business’ support of their team or event. You may also hear or see news of the local bookstore teaming up with the local library on a book donation event for kids who are less fortunate.
Oftentimes, these little plaques and letters of appreciation are tucked away in a corner, or left in one simple Facebook post, and not entirely visible for all, but for a community organization or for a kid who does not have much, those contributions are dearly valued and often appreciated.
The owners and operators of the vast majority of our business community are our neighbors and friends - we’ve had beers together, we’ve celebrated milestones together, even at times cried together. Many businesses and restaurants that are able to operate have seen reductions in revenue of over 80% the past nine weeks and many in the community are feeling the pinch of the shutdown.
Small businesses contribute roughly one-third of the entire GDP of the United States. That’s your friends, your neighbors, and your neighbor’s kids at work. Without their contributions, our way of life is vastly different, less diverse, and less affluent.
For those of us in the community who are able and have the means to do so, we need to absolutely put our support and our wallets behind supporting our friends and neighbors as resumption takes place. Not just for a great meal or a future holiday gift, but to keep Rehoboth Avenue filled with businesses, keep Coastal Highway from Five Points to Fenwick vibrant, and keep Second Street in Lewes filled with its array of restaurants and shops. Now, more than ever, please support our friends and neighbors in the retail and hospitality community. Without them, our towns lose their heart and vibrancy.
Tom Thunstrom
Lewes
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