"I think one thing that we've seen was the businesses just had to really improve their online and digital marketing platform," said Shalimar Thomas, executive director of The North Broad Renaissance.
The North Broad Renaissance is a local non-profit which is aimed at working on a five-year development plan along North Broad Street post-COVID-19.
"What we're doing right now as we did with our first five-year strategic plan is look at ways we can raise money for the work that we're doing, and it's across the board."
The North Broad Renaissance is helping North Broad businesses with a gift card match program. just one way they're looking to help out.
Purchase a gift card from our North Broad businesses between City Hall and Germantown Ave, and receive a match up to $100! Email us at info@northbroad.org with proof of purchase to receive info on how to get your match. #Supportlocalbusinesses and #ThinkBroad! pic.twitter.com/93TSodngzS
— North Broad (@ThinkBroad_) April 2, 2020
"The gift card match program, people have supported $1,800 worth of gift cards under this initiative, said Thomas. "The North Broad Renaissance will match any gift card purchase up to $200. That's a way we're working to create revenue."
Along with gift cards, NBR introduced the "Reopened With Care Campaign" to encourage all North Broad businesses to follow an essential business model.
Thursday The City of Philadelphia announced details regarding partnership with NBR to support local businesses re-open safely as they begin to gradually move in the Green Phase.
#ReopenedWithCare is a community-wide initiative, asking business owners, residents, and employees alike to do everything in their power to stay safe and healthy as Philly opens up. Everyone needs to lend a helping hand and do their part in flattening the curve. #ThinkBroad pic.twitter.com/dpMV6Pu7jB
— North Broad (@ThinkBroad_) July 2, 2020
The City's Department of Commerce and Philadelphia City Council will work with NBR in order to help invoke these efforts through the city.
As businesses gradually reopen, it is still important to:
— PHLCommerce (@PHLCommerce) June 27, 2020
✅ Wear a mask.
✅ Stay six feet away from others.
✅ Wash your hands frequently.
Learn more about how @PhiladelphiaGov is helping businesses reopen with care ⬇️ https://t.co/5kHFGwfEWf #ReopenedWithCare#MaskUpPHL
"The Reopened with Care campaign originated and has been going strong on North Broad, as we prepare to enter the Green Phase, the city is proud to help take this campaign citywide," said Mayor Jim Kenney.
Today's updates:
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) July 2, 2020
➡️New COVID-19 cases
➡️Rising cases
➡️Shore plans this weekend
➡️Heat planning
➡️Financial support for utilities
➡️#ReopenedWithCare partnership with North Broad Renaissance
Businesses in participation will sign a pledge committing to safety guidelines.
"When that moment comes, when it's time for businesses to reopen, we want to make sure that's done as safely as possible to protect the consumer and keep our communities safe," said Thomas.
When asked how The North Broad Renaissance is helping businesses stay better prepared, Thomas said, "To not put on blinders and think that this won't happen again. To use it as our kind of test run," she added.
Thomas says the coronavirus shutdown was the "ultimate test run," and will provide valuable lessons if this ever happens again.
