Every business will face tough times now and then but few will come close to what a handful of businesses on George Street are going through this week.
The impact of a natural disaster, like the recent fire in our commercial district, is especially deep in a smaller town like Prince George. The repercussions are particularly strong in our downtown, where each and every business that chooses to locate there equals an incremental step towards revitalization. The loss of even one business or the vacancy of a single unit is also a blow to the psyches of neighbouring businesses that rely on each other for mutual success via critical mass.
And so, it is at times like these that a community must ask itself, "What can we do to support and encourage the affected businesses to rebuild and get back on their feet once again?"
Yes, insurance companies will help in certain ways. And of course there are family and friends to comfort and care for the business owners and their staff. But there is a serious role for the customers and the public who value the presence of these businesses in downtown Prince George, who want to do more than just read about the tragedy in the paper or ogle the shocking images of flames and fire trucks shared on social media.
It starts by saying "I miss your business" and ends with "How can I help?" Each case will be different. What one business owner needs in support will be different from the challenges that another faces. I recommend starting by reaching out in whatever way you can to communicate a message of encouragement by clearly expressing what you valued about the affected business. Avoid humour, even lighthearted jokes. Nothing will seem funny to the individuals who have experienced financial and personal loss. Focus instead on straight up compassion and support. It doesn't matter how your message reaches the business owner: Facebook posting, Twitter shout out, a mailed note, or an email. Just do something.
Then, after public attention fades, investigators have done their research, and insurance companies are working through the details, reach out once again and offer any help you can provide. It could be the free use of space in your empty office workstation, computer technical help, or an afternoon of elbow grease to help with clean-up or reorganization efforts.
If you don't have direct access to the business owner, utilize our city's business support agencies such as the Downtown Business Improvement Association or the Chamber of Commerce to act as your resource. Give these organizations a ring and ask if they've heard what the needs of affected businesses are and whether help is being organized as a group.
Further down the road, after businesses have reopened, your support continues by visiting and engagement our local businesses as a customer. Showing support by choosing to spend your dollars locally is the greatest encouragement you can give any business. You don't have to wait for a fire sale to show consumer support each and every day to the heart of our city, our local businesses.
Until next week, stay in the black and keep coming back.
