Our community has always done a wonderful job of supporting our local businesses and we have truly stepped up our game in recent years. Clearly, it has never been more important to do so than during the COVID-19 crisis. Small businesses have been forced to endure unprecedented challenges, including governmental shutdowns and restrictions. As a local government agency, beyond being required to enforce restrictions imposed by Trenton, we have sought to provide opportunities and encourage our residents to patronize (if/when possible) our local businesses during the pandemic. You have responded and I know our local business owners are appreciative of your ongoing support.
From the outset back in March, we used our communication platforms as the foundation to implement campaigns like Digital Main Street, which included a number of weekly promotions, and Restaurant Week. Our leadership team took steps to support our local businesses as they sought ways to survive the shutdown and restrictions.
Fast forward to Thanksgiving weekend and our Miracle on Main! I want to express how wonderful it was to see many of you out on Main Street enjoying the festive backdrop of our downtown adorned in lights. I especially want to thank you all for making the weekend so productive for our business owners, who have expressed how successful our Miracle on Main weekend was for their respective businesses.
It is also my and the Committee’s intention for Miracle on Main to provide an opportunity for the Harrison Township community to celebrate the season on our Main Street, for what has become a tradition for many us. We hope you enjoyed it.
Today, I want to draw your attention to additional efforts that support our businesses. The Harrison Township Historical Society is offering a Shop Local Coupon Book which offers savings from many of our local merchants and proceeds will support their programing. Participation benefits both our local businesses and our Historical Society, who were forced to cancel their two big annual fundraisers this year, the Ghost Walk and The Groundhog Day Diner.
The Society’s leadership is thankful to local Dunkin Donuts owner, Kenny Patel, for totally underwriting of the cost to produce the Book, allowing 100 percent of the proceeds to be added to their coffers in this time of need. Mr. Patel’s generosity, coupled with the Historical Society’s offer of inclusion in the Shop Local Coupon Book to local businesses at no cost bring out the “unity” in comm-unity!
As we transition to the holiday season, the family spirit of our community becomes even more prevalent, which is why we all love this our hometown so much. This is just one example and it defines who we are and is the foundation of what makes us Harrison Strong!
