It has been a rough nine months for small business owners and their employees. They have pivoted, adjusted, adapted, innovated and then started all over again. These local businesses deserve our admiration, but more importantly they deserve our support especially during this holiday season.
Much of the innovation from local businesses has resulted from discoveries about the virus and changing government restrictions. In the early days of the pandemic, the world was full of uncertainty and fear. We didn’t know how the virus spread. We didn’t know how deadly it would be. We didn’t know if it could be contained. As bad as things may be today, it is worth remembering that it could have been much worse.
As local businesses continue to learn and evolve through the pandemic, they don’t just have more information, they are smarter and keeping their employees and customers safer. They have learned about simple things like practicing hygiene always, distancing when possible and wearing a mask when it’s not. Business owners and employees are acting smarter, but will government be smarter in how it restricts these local businesses?
During a short stint at a regulatory agency, I learned a great lesson about government enforcement. When asked by a neighbor how I liked the job, I answered that it was surprising how regulators are either loved or hated. This wise friend shared sage counsel that while I could not control that regulators are either loved or hated, I could work hard to make sure the right people were in the right category.
I translated that advice into a mantra that regulations should make things as easy as possible for the “good guys” and hard as possible for the “bad guys.” That means recognizing and rewarding those committed to doing the right thing. The road ahead for these businesses is still full of uncertainties, but they deserve one certainty — that those following health and safety guidelines can stay open.
For thousands of local businesses and their employees, the loss of livelihood is a daily threat. The challenges of the pandemic for many businesses are multiplied as those that have been hit the hardest can least afford it. They spent the first part of the pandemic in a shutdown. As they learned more about the virus, guidelines were established whereby they could operate safely. To comply, these businesses spent what little money they had on PPE, new equipment and operational modifications.
Many of these small businesses didn’t survive those dark days and had to close their doors permanently. Tens of thousands of former employees are still looking for work. Businesses in those hard-hit industries that did survive, your favorite restaurant or retail shop, are still struggling with fewer customers and higher expenses.
When I watch athletes on the playing field during this pandemic, one word comes to mind — discipline. I am impressed with the discipline they must exercise off the field to stay safe, so they can get on the field to compete under unprecedented challenges. They are to be applauded for that discipline.
I feel the same about thousands of small businesses that are competing in a similar fashion. Let’s applaud and support those local businesses that are working hard so their customers can stay safe. Let’s return the favor this holiday season and safely engage in the economy so they can continue to stay open.
Derek Miller is the president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber.