Full Notification

Message from Mayor Wayne Jett

While it is too early to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy of McHenry, it is up to all of us to do our part as we stay at home, to support our local businesses.  In fact, our business community needs us now more than ever before, especially our locally-owned small businesses.  Please remember that many businesses are still open and able to operate in some manner.  Grocery stores and pharmacies remain open.  Restaurants can provide carry out or curbside service.  And many trades remain in service.  Supporting our locally-owned businesses is the fastest way to recovery as money can be pumped right back into the local economy.
In researching how we can help all businesses during this time, here are a few ideas that I wanted to share:

1.       Shop online.  If your favorite store is closed under the shelter in place guidelines, or you just don’t feel comfortable going out, see if you can shop online.
2.      Gift certificates.  Most retailers, service-based businesses and restaurants offer gift certificates so even if you aren’t looking to buy now, grab a gift certificate for later.
3.       Refer a friend.  Make a list of those people you know that might benefit from the product or service that your favorite businesses sells and then refer them.  Word of mouth is the best advertising for small businesses.
4.       Share on social media.  “Check in” when visiting your favorite business and share your experience.  Post pictures or talk about the products or services that are valuable to you.  Your social media followers may have no idea that the business exists.
5.       Lead the recovery effort.  Once this is over (and it will end) be a champion for your favorite small businesses.  Frequent it early and often and ask your friends and family to do the same.
 
In addition, I would like to request that, if at all possible, residential and commercial landlords consider relief for tenants for the upcoming few months.  This could come in the form of adding to their terms or eliminating/discounting rent for some period of time.  Any assistance that you can provide at this time will help ensure that our residents and businesses will still be here on the other side of this crisis.
My pledge to all of you is that the City of McHenry will step up and do its part as well.  Over the last week myself and City Staff have been working on an City funded economic incentive package to help our residents and businesses in their time of need.  We are close to completing this work and will be bring options to City Council that would allow the City of McHenry to give back to its residents and businesses.  Stay tuned for further details on this in the next day!!  
Let keep doing what we do best, take care of our Community!!

Sincerley,

Wayne Jett
Mayor