Beginning this week, LEDE writers will be reaching out to small businesses in the Upper Ohio Valley for articles about how they are remaining in operation despite the mandated restrictions and the timid approach taken by many local residents at this time.
Soon after the coronavirus pandemic began, LEDE published several stories about local eateries and how the owners were offering take-out and curbside service. We did those articles not for advertising revenue but to be a community partner also suffering from the lack of ability to continue conducting business as usual.
The same goal applies now, and we hope the articles we publish this week will lead to more locally owned small businesses and non-profits reaching out to us so we can publish even more. Since mid-March, LEDE has continued publishing stories that no other Upper Ohio Valley media outlet has managed to cover, and the plan is to continue producing the same level of journalism in the future.
“Since March, many businesses in the Wheeling area have struggled because of the restrictions that have been in place for a while now,” said Erikka Storch, the president of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. “Plus, there are a lot of local businesses that depend on the fairs and festivals that we usually enjoy in this area, and those all were canceled.
“A lot of business owners and people with our non-profit organizations have been very creative, though, and that has been great to see,” she said. “That’s why it is important for the residents of this area to support our local businesses when they can so we can get through this pandemic and move forward.”
You Tell Us
So, business owners, you tell us. How are you welcoming patrons to your business? What restrictions have hampered your business, and in what ways have you attempted to overcome them? What changes you’ve made will remain permanent? What issues with workforce have you encountered?
Tell us about your fight and your determination. Tell our readers about the services your business or non-profit offers and how you have continued to move forward despite the pandemic.
If you wish for your small business or non-profit to be featured, please reach out to us by emailing to info@ledenews.com. Once your email is received, a staff member will contact you for a short interview and then the article will be published soon after.
Since COVID-19 continues to infect thousands per day in the United States, it does not appear “normal” will be returning any time soon. That is why this opportunity is being offered, and we hope many choose to contact us.
