To the Editor:

We are facing an unprecedented time for businesses. Many businesses have had to temporarily close their doors, reduce their staff and hours, and adjust to this new normal of working remotely. This crisis will pass, and we will be able to go out to dinner again, shop at our favorite local businesses, and connect at in-person events but what will our new normal look like?

Not all businesses have been negatively impacted, many businesses are busier now than before. Marketing consultants, IT service providers, banks, etc. are experiencing an influx of business.

The biggest impact is on the smaller retail and food-service businesses in the town. Many are creatively adapting to this virtual landscape by utilizing online sales, delivery, and curbside pickup to adjust in these challenging times.

In the short term, our community can support local businesses by buying gift cards for a later use, ordering take-out from a local restaurant, or writing a positive review online. These gestures go a long way in showing your support to the local businesses of Guilderland and Altamont.

In the long term, we need to be diligent in supporting businesses, of all shapes and sizes in Guilderland. We need to promote and support economic development projects in the town that will create jobs, tax revenue, and stimulate investment. We need to continue to diversify our retail and residential offerings to retain and attract new residents.

Most importantly, we need to create a business-friendly environment to support the local business community. By working together, we can create a business-friendly community which the town will greatly need as we emerge from this crisis and begin to rebuild. 

Danielle Walsh

Executive Director

Guilderland

Chamber of Commerce

Editor’s note: Danielle Walsh stresses that the opinions in this letter are hers and not representative of any or all members of the Guilderland Chamber Board of Directors or chamber members.