The head of an organization that helps Sarnia-Lambton small businesses succeed, is hopeful owners can continue to provide goods and services during Ontario's second COVID-19 lockdown.
Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation (SLBDC) General Manager Don Anderson, concedes the 28-day lockdown that began Saturday in southern Ontario is discouraging.
"It certainly means that we're taking a step backwards into restricted openings, restricted service arrangements and the rest of it, so it's a little bit discouraging but hopefully we can pivot quickly and be able to deliver service in an effective manner."
Anderson said in the lead-up to Christmas, residents have done a lot to support local entrepreneurs.
"I'm glad that we've had some time to get through, I'll call it the holiday shopping period, and certainly I want to commend local residents for their support to local businesses -- we're certainly hearing positive things in terms of the sales that most have experienced," he said. "And also, some positive news out of the sale of gift cards throughTourism Sarnia-Lambton, that number hitting close to $100,000 right now -- that impact will help out as folks redeem those moving through the post-Christmas period of January and February."
Anderson said there are a number of ways to continue supporting local business during the lockdown.
"Well certainly I think we can continue some of the efforts that were started last spring -- shopping curbside, using takeout from local restaurants and other resources. I think we certainly saw some good things happening back then, I think it's just [about] remembering what we were doing and how we were doing those things."
Anderson also had some advice for local business owners on how to weather the storm during the lockdown.
"Let's take a look at your social media and your website, make sure your hours are up-to-date, that your means of being contacted are clear, and probably something outlining what the process is going to be if we want to purchase something -- what we need to do, how we need to arrange pick-up and what that's going to look like."
Anderson said the more residents support local businesses, the better off we'll all be in the long run.