Let's Love Our Local Businesses

Author : Carla Weaver

​I realize you may be tired of hearing about the COVID-19 virus, but I must tell you about a consequence parallel to the health disaster of this pandemic. The economic effect of the absolutely necessary quarantines and social distancing means that many small businesses are feeling the immediate impact. This situation has impacted hundreds (if not thousands) of small businesses in the Traverse City community. The foot traffic and a reluctance to go out will leave shops and restaurants empty. This is wreaking havoc on our small businesses.

A recent survey of American small business owners show that 60% of them are considering wage cuts and staffing cutbacks, while 35% said they may have to close. And more than 80% expect the situation to get worse.

EB2 Vintage supports my family and contributes to the coffers of 38 other families – our vendors. We live in a summer-driven tourism area, so the first quarter is always a lean one.  That means that this dramatic slow down is creating a dire situation for our local economy. Even if you can’t support our business – and the other amazing local businesses in this area – right now, please support us whenever possible and as soon as our country stabilizes from the outbreak. Local businesses are the backbone of this area, and we need them to stay afloat. Small businesses create jobs that keep money in the northern Michigan community and support our local organizations and towns.

When life returns to normal, please consider making local businesses your choice whenever possible to help them bounce back. We must pull together to get through this, both health-wise and economically. Thank you for your wonderful support in the past, present, and the future. We are so grateful for you.
 
​- Carla