EAST LANSING, Mich. — In addition to working to keep the community safe and supported during the COVID-19 pandemic, City of East Lansing staff are also focusing their efforts on supporting businesses in the East Lansing community.
City staff is currently working to develop a webpage and social media promotions that share information on business services currently being offered that residents can safely still support while adhering to all current public health guidelines and executive orders from the governor.
East Lansing businesses that would like to be a part of the City’s promotional efforts are encouraged to take this quick survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PSHT7F5. The survey provides businesses with an opportunity to share what services they are currently offering, such as delivery/contactless delivery, take-out food, curbside services, online/phone orders or other services. The survey also provides businesses with an opportunity to share other ideas for how the City can support them.
The survey will be tentatively open through April 13, 2020 to all businesses in the East Lansing community.
“We recognize that businesses are currently facing significant challenges in these unprecedented times, and we want to do what we can to support them, while still promoting safety for the community as a whole” said East Lansing Community Development & Engagement Manager Amy Schlusler-Schmitt.
Community members can continue to support businesses in the community in ways that they feel comfortable, but should still adhere to all current public health guidelines and the governor’s executive orders, including the current “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Executive Order.
Under the exceptions of the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, it does state that individuals may leave their home or place of residence, and travel if necessary:
“To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves, their family or household members, and their vehicles. Individuals must secure such services or supplies via delivery to the maximum extent possible. As needed, however, individuals may leave the home or place of residence to purchase groceries, take-out food, gasoline, needed medical supplies, and any other products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and basic operation of their residences.”
With that in mind, here are some examples of ways community members can still support businesses in this challenging time:
- Buy a gift card or gift certificate online to use later.
- Take a virtual class (fitness, sewing, etc.).
- Order delivery or take-out food services.
- Shop over the phone or online.
- Reschedule service appointments instead of canceling.
- Leave a positive review for your favorite businesses on Google, Facebook, Yelp or Tripadvisor.
- Promote businesses on social media.
- Subscribe to business feeds and newsletters.
Within the context of food safety during the COVID-19 outbreak, these links are also helpful for both community members and individuals within the food industry:
In addition to this promotional effort, a COVID-19 business resources page has also been published online at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/businessresources. This webpage features links to available resources through state and federal programs, and it will continue to be updated as new resources for businesses become known.