The pandemic has hit small businesses hard and staying closed will eventually kill our livelihoods. I want to acknowledge that beyond the statistics, the pandemic has a unique personal effect on us as individuals, be it preconditions age and the places we live. As we reopen, everyone needs to take personal responsibility for how they carry themselves and act towards others knowing everyone has a different take on the disease and how to live with it. But we have to open and allow the small business to have the same opportunity as all the big box stores have had since the pandemic.
For those who don’t feel comfortable coming out, those who wish to remain indoors, can stay home. For those who feel they have to open because they need to work and provide for their livelihoods, should be allowed to, given they take adequate measures to mitigate the spread of any disease. Many small businesses will be at a crossroads when the federal, state and local loan/grant programs end. Business owners will have to decide to cut their losses or double down. That time is fast approaching and more action needs to be taken to keep employers and employees in business, otherwise the disease will be just one aspect of a greater demise.
This is not a time for division, but unity, under the cause of getting back to business and getting back to our lives. Everyone must take personal responsibility but also do what they can to help their neighbors, no matter what they look like or what their politics may be. In the end we are going to need to accept one another and realize this pandemic does not discriminate. Our organization is committed to our common humanity.
If you are a business owner in the East Frederick area impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, please be sure to let EFR know how we may be able to help. Also be sure to stay tuned for more updates.
Sincerely,
Chris Kline Jr