By Tricia Brunson, President & CEO
I think everyone can agree that springtime has not exactly unfolded the way we anticipated! We are all learning how to live under a new normal and adjusting our routines accordingly. Looking on the bright side of things, I think there have certainly been many positive outcomes for us to focus on. We are appreciative of the simple things that perhaps have been taken for granted, like eating in a restaurant, meeting friends at the beach or a park, and even the simple task of walking into a store to buy toilet paper has become difficult or impossible! We will do all of those again soon; we just have to be patient along this journey.
COVID-19 has made us realize that the simple things in life are indeed the most precious and should never be taken for granted again. I know I am grateful for this time spent at home, appreciating the simple things instead of rushing from one event to another, barely remembering what I did the day before. Unfortunately, this pandemic has threatened to take away the dreams of many small business owners and it is our responsibility to help them survive and recover starting now.
We are all vested in this community, and our friends and neighbors need us to support them any way we can. The Niceville Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce has always focused on “Keeping it Local” as the very best way to support the local economy. Small businesses employ local people, support local non-profit organizations, and contribute to the overall economy in great ways. I encourage you to use local vendors for your supplies, don’t point and click your way to out of town sources. Point and click to a LOCAL business, buy gift cards from local stores, knowing that they are the ones sponsoring your child’s little league or dance team and so much more.
Think before you buy, and together we will come through this even stronger and with a better focus on the important things along with a renewed appreciation for being able to attend in-person gatherings again. On behalf of our Board of Directors and entire membership, we thank you for being part of what makes our community great.
Visit nicevillechamber.com for a wealth of information on COVID-19 resources and to search for local businesses.
