Mayor Karin Wilson said city officials hope to use a grant from the Alabama Municipal Electric Association and Fairhope funds to help the area economy.
“We are working first and foremost on efforts to support our small businesses,” Wilson said. “This is good for the economy, good for everyone. Every dollar that we spend on our businesses will be returned tenfold.”
With businesses closing or being restricted in efforts to control the outbreak, the economy across Baldwin County has taken a major hit. Since March 23, 17,853 Baldwin County residents have filed for unemployment, according to Alabama Department of Labor reports. Lee Lawson, Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance director, said the county has a total labor force of about 100,000 people.
Wilson said the city is using the local website Fairhope Local to put provide local businesses with resources that can help them during the pandemic and economic slowdown. The website is at www.FHLocal.org.
“The city of Fairhope is keenly aware of the hit that businesses will be taking as a result of COVID-19,” Wilson said. “We are working to convene all available resources as well as a comprehensive and inclusive list of businesses in the city that we can utilize after the crisis concludes as we help our local business community bounce back.”
In her April 13 report to the City Council, Wilson said local businesses do more than just contribute to the city’s economy.
“A large part of Fairhope’s unique character comes from our local independent businesses and the personalities behind these businesses,” Wilson. “While entrepreneurs may have storefronts, they also include those who work from home – artists, authors, landscapers, consultants and many other different trades. We want to do our part to help you rebound at the conclusion of this nationwide pandemic. This will include a citywide investment in business promotion, which will include PR, advertising, collateral, a wide-ranging media strategy along with collaborative efforts to begin this process.”
Fairhope cancelled several spring events that have contributed to the local economy and raised money for area agencies. The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, which would have been March 20 through 22 was cancelled the week before.
Council President Jack Burrell said that once the threat of COVID-19 is reduced, city officials are looking at holding some events to allow area celebrations and help the Fairhope economy.
“Maybe you could have the Fairhope Volunteer Fire Department cook-off and maybe the city could splurge for a grand party and have something, a grand reopening of the city,” Burrell said. “I think we ought to all get behind that idea.”
Until the virus is under control, Councilman Kevin Boone said residents need to do all they can to support local businesses.
“Even though the restaurants are closed, take outs are still available and we did that last night for Easter, one of the local restaurants in town and it turned out very, very nicely,” Boone said on April 13. “I would certainly encourage all citizens to try to help out the restaurants in this town, start utilizing their take-out services.”
