Being a small business owner can be challenging in good economic times – imagine what it’s like in a pandemic.
“Businesses are hurting,” Clermont City Manager Darren Gray said. “We know these hard times won’t last forever, but for many of our Clermont businesses, it’s a real struggle right now.”
Recognizing that the city was in a unique position to help connect businesses with local customers, the City of Clermont launched the first of its “Shop Local, Dine Local” promotions on August 14 with an event called Celebrate Love’s Half-Birthday. The promotion, which lasts through the end of the month, encourages Valentine to celebrate again in August with dining and drinks at area restaurants and casual browsing at local retailers.
A related scavenger hunt will have residents spotting candy conversation heart messages on windows of more than 50 Clermont businesses, jotting down the phrases and then submitting their entry form to win tickets for two to the Clermont Performing Arts Center’s 2021 season.
The contest runs until August 31 with the winner notified by September 15. To participate, download the scavenger hunt form at http://bit.ly/CandyHeartsSH.
“We all have our favorite places to eat and shop in Clermont,” Gray said. “We’re challenging our Champions to ‘Shop Local, Dine Local’ and keep these businesses going.”
Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact Business Liaison Barbara Hollerand at 352-241-7355 or bhollerand@clermontfl.org.
