Local Businesses Unite
Local Businesses Unite: Economic Development Solid Gold Neighbor
Holly Webb, Office and Project Manager
Nothing is more inspiring than seeing a community rally together in a time of hardship. In the wake of COVID-19, Businesses throughout Waco have united together to help our city thrive. Today, we recognize the work of several Waco businesses making a difference:Fairfield by Marriott Waco North: When COVID-19 stretched supply chains across the nation, Fairfield by Marriott Waco North got to work supporting food pantries and essential workers across Waco. Through generous donations, they supplied Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry and The Store, Baylor’s student food pantry, with toilet paper and other toiletries, while providing Waco’s Emergency Management team access to housing for healthcare workers.
Mill-King Market and Creamery: As people began to shelter in place and grocery staples became harder to find, Mill-King Market pivoted their strategy harkening back to a time-honored tradition – home dairy delivery. In addition to providing milk and fresh staples to homes across the city, in recent days, their products have filled the shelves of bigger box stores lacking their usual supply.
Congress Clothing: It’s easy to feel isolated and alone during quarantine, however, the reality is quarantining and sheltering in place has unified people across the city, state and nation due to a common, shared experience. To express this sentiment and rally the Waco community, Congress Clothing created Waco: We Are In This Together yard signs.
Don Leal’s Restaurant: Essential workers have worked around the clock to help keep the Waco safe and well. As a sign of appreciation, Don Leal’s, a local restaurant, provided hot meals to firefighters diligently tending to emergencies and the health and wellbeing of the community. If you would like to help feed Firefighters and EMS, please visit Facebook and search for Help feed our Waco Area Firefighters and EMS.
Formela the Beauty Boutique: As a small retail business in Waco, Formela Beauty knows first-hand the struggle shuttering for even a few days could have on local business owners. Melissa Contreras, owner of Formela Beauty, crafted a plan to rally the community in support of Waco businesses: the Buy Local Waco Challenge. This movement challenges patrons to purchase at least one item from a local retailer, generating revenue to aid small business owners. Recently, The Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce and the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have joined her in the promotion of her effort,BuyLocalWaco.com. Interested in participating? Sign up online!