A note from the president
Friends,
Months or years from now when we look back on the coronavirus pandemic, I wonder if what stands out to us the most are the ways in which businesses (and everybody for that matter) needed to adapt at unprecedented speeds. It's possible you've heard me say this before, but one of the things I loved most about performing was the instantaneous problem solving that was required every time I stepped on stage. Every night, things would go wrong in front of a theater full of people, and the team of performers and stagehands worked together to solve problems in real time.
Right now we're seeing this happen in a more consequential way today. Cultural institutions have been streaming performances, membership organizations have been able to provide valuable content to their members remotely, restaurants are expanding both their takeout capacity and their outdoor dining footprints in order to maximize business. Through a number of Emergency Orders, the City of Saint Paul has been trying to find ways to ease some of the hurdles that can slow down the process of making these changes, but it can still be challenging to navigate. The Downtown Alliance is offering assistance to any downtown business owners looking to take advantage of some of the options included in the Emergency Orders or simply navigate the “system.” If you or someone within your network would like to connect please do not hesitate to reach out.
Over the coming weeks we will continue to find ways to work with all of you to bring vitality back into downtown in both new and familiar ways. Big River Pizza and the Downtown Alliance have been working together to host a small concert series in August and September and Lowertown Local is planned to continue Thursday evenings. Keep an eye out for more announcements coming soon.
Mask up and be well,
Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance