KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is working together with local businesses to help against economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus.
Earlier this week, Governor Whitmer issued an executive order to close most restaurants, bars and other businesses (although some carry-out and delivery options are still available). Further executive orders bar gatherings of 50 people or more and expand unemployment benefits to affected workers.
At a state level, government offices are encouraging citizens to use these alternative means of patronage to help businesses.
Locally, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is working to help mitigate financial losses as a result of these orders.
“Our downtown businesses are a vital component of our community, their employees are our friends, neighbors, and family. Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is committed to supporting them during this challenging time. We’re in the first phase of assessing how these rapid developments will impact businesses, and how we can help,” Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership President Andrew Haan said. “There’s a number of ways that the community can continue to support them, through curbside pickup, online shopping, and through the newly-announced Downtown Gift Card Stimulus program, which for every $25 spent, will leverage an additional $10 for the consumer to put into the hands the businesses feeling these unprecedented impacts.”
- Downtown Kalamazoo Gift Card Stimulus – Through the month of March, the Partnership will purchase gift cards for customers in the amount of $25 to the Downtown business of their choice and will add an additional $10 to that amount from the organization. All gift cards will be mailed directly to each customer. A full list of participating businesses can be viewed at this link. The organization wants to purchase at least 1,000 gift cards in the next two weeks.
- Dedicated Curbside Pick-up Stations – 16 dedicated curbside pick-up locations will allow patrons to drive up, idle and await take-out and pick-up orders from Downtown restaurants and retailers. Stations are deployed throughout downtown and marked with cones.
- Downtown Dollars – For the remainder of 2020, the Partnership will waive all administrative fees for businesses related to Downtown Dollars. Businesses will get 100 percent of Downtown Dollars submitted, and the Partnership will absorb all administrative costs.
- Marketing & Promotion of Downtown businesses during COVID-19 – The Partnership communications team is launching a series of digital media campaigns to encourage customers to support Downtown restaurants and retailers, even as policies and precautionary measures limit patrons from visiting Downtown. Campaigns will encourage audiences to order take-out, purchase gift cards, shop online, make phone orders, and tip generously, as well as highlight each Downtown business offering those services.
More information about the organization can be found online at downtownkalamazoo.org.