Dear Friends of MidTown:
Considering the coronavirus pandemic, the board and staff of MidTown, Inc. want to take this opportunity to update our valued friends and supporters. We all share a level of uncertainty wondering how this will go and what getting back to normal will look like. We find that our network of neighbors, friends, family and local businesses are truly lifelines, clarifying our priorities. Our commitment to support and strengthen our community is stronger than ever.
We admire and are inspired by the compassionate ingenuity of people like Brooke Peak, who quickly organized a fundraiser to purchase meals from locally owned restaurants for our healthcare workers, and the generous and swift accommodations by nonprofits like the YMCA who are providing free childcare for Piedmont Hospital healthcare workers. We applaud the committed Midtown residents who work daily at our major hospitals and other essential businesses. We are proud of our residents who have conscientiously followed the social distancing guidelines. We love seeing more people out walking, cycling and safely enjoying our beautiful spring weather. People are displaying hearts in their windows, looking after elderly neighbors, making face masks, and supporting local businesses. We renew both our appreciation for where we live and our dedication to support Midtown.
We join the many heartbroken residents and business owners concerned with the unknown short and long term affects this will have on our business community. Some businesses adopted innovative ways to stay afloat, but many had no choice other than to close their doors. We hope and pray that Governor Kemp’s new guidelines to gradually reopen the economy will benefit our businesses while keeping their staff and customers safe. We plan to do all we can to direct resources toward helping ensure businesses thrive in our community, and we remain focused on promoting our MidTown Business Association members through social media and with our bi-monthly newsletter, The MidTowner.
Like most organizations and businesses, MidTown, Inc. has had to make some changes. We are working from home as much as possible, cutting back everywhere we can, and we have made the tough decision to cancel several key events until it becomes safe to get together again. In spite of these difficult times, we plan to double down on our commitment to the future of MidTown. We are creating a comprehensive five-year plan to build sound economic development opportunities for our community and to grow the capacity of our organization to better advance our mission.
Now more than ever, we need your help!
- Please support MidTown Business Association members by utilizing their professional services, shopping in their stores and dining in their restaurants. We encourage you to continue to follow social distancing recommendations. Click here for a complete list of members.
- Help us recognize members of the MidTown community who are going above and beyond during this very challenging time. What are you experiencing in your neighborhood that helps you appreciate our community? We would love to share your stories.
- If you can, contribute to MidTown, Inc. and help us continue our work to sustain and enhance Midtown neighborhoods and businesses. We rely on donations to continue operations. Any amount will help. You can donate online at midtowncolumbusga.org/donate/, over the phone by calling 706-494-1663, or by mail to the address below.
To learn more about how we are handling our operations amid COVID-19, visit midtowncolumbusga.org/covid19. We will also continue to give updates via email and social media. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to jportillo@midtowncolumbusga.org, or leave a message at 706-494-1663. We will respond as quickly as possible.
With our sincerest appreciation,With sincere appreciation and hoping you stay well,
Muffy Schladensky | President
Julio A. Portillo | Executive Director