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of local retailers: “We have seen Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers create a bookseller hot- line and offer a virtual book club. Lucy’s turned a window that was once just enjoyed for guests into their ‘Curbside Window of Love.’ Magnolia James Boutique is utilizing Facebook Live every day at 11 a.m. to show viewers what they have inside their store and allow customers to buy their products.” According toMs. Beck The Hudson Fam- ily Foundation rose to assist workers in the service industry. They partnered with local restaurants to create “Buy A Meal, Give A Meal.” Participating restaurants created spe- cial meals for the effort and every meal that was sold The Hudson Family Foundation matched! The John Emerald Distilling Company rallied to help the community by utilizing their resources to produce hand sanitizer and provide it to hospitality colleagues and community members. It is now available for everyone! The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is hard at work for its membership particu- larly through Auburn’s Working Capitol Loan Interest Subsidy Program. “We were able to partner with the city of Auburn and nine local banks to create Auburn’s Working Capital Loan Interest Subsidy Program. The program took effect on March 26 and was created to provide immediate relief to busi- nesses in Auburn who had been impacted by COVID-19. The loan can be up to $25,000 and has a term of 36 months. The city of Auburn pays the interest of the loans during that time, and each bank committed a minimum of $500,000 in loan author- ity.” In a video message on the website of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Arthur J. DuCote shares these encouraging words: “Our Chamber staff team is working lit- erally around the clock to stay connected to all of the issues and resources you need to help navigate this challenging time. … You may have seen the Chamber’s #keep- mgmworking brand around the commu- nity as we find innovative ways to keep commerce moving while putting the health and safety of our city and region first and foremost.” “Just as important as the work we are doing now to lead through COVID-19 is the work the Chamber is doing to prepare for life after COVID -19. By working with our stakeholders and industry partners we are already building an action plan that will recover our momentum quickly and put us all back to work moving the Mont- gomery and the River Region forward. … We will be here with you through the com- ing days and weeks and work hard to build on together for the future.” Finally, take heed to this special encour- agement fromMs. Dennis and the Alabama Retail Association: “Please safely shop local first, so your favorite store is still here when we are on the other side.” n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter JUNE/JULY 2020 41 ................................................................................................................ "As we begin the process of reopening, we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors back to our historic and vibrant downtown. Our businesses are taking the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of all guests and workers.” — KenWard, Executive Director, Opelika Main Street Photo corurtesy of Opelika Main Street