Several of our events have been cancelled with others refashioned, but we are busier than ever in this office. That includes getting and disseminating last minute information on initiatives that can help our businesses, as well as other developments. For example:
• The City of Vineland has more grant money available for COVID-related aid to businesses. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available. For details, call Vineland Economic Development Director Sandy Forosisky at 856-794-4100.
• At the annual Pumpkin Patch Party (planned for Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at the mini-parks at Landis Avenue and the Boulevard), Toyota of Vineland is now the Trunk-or-Treat Sponsor. They will have one of their bright, shiny new cars at the event with a trunk loaded with candy for the kids. Children must be age 14 and under and dressed in costume to get the candy. COVID-related safety precautions—mask-wearing and social distancing—will be enforced. Newfield National Bank is a major sponsor, with Lidl as a supporting sponsor. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
Some reminders:
• Our annual Christmas Parade is planned for Saturday, November 28 (rain date: November 29) at 5 p.m., on Landis Avenue. We’ll also have COVID-related safety measures in place there, including social distance and wearing of masks or face coverings for spectators and participants. The major sponsor is Century Savings Bank, with Lidl and Newfield National Bank as supporting sponsors. “Peace on Earth” will be this year’s theme. Floats this year are to be decorated to honor persons in history who have worked toward the spread of peace in our world, past or present. The parade, as in the past, will feature a contest for the best floats. Registration for participants and vendor applications are through the Main Street Vineland website—TheAve.biz—and are currently posted through a link on the home page. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available.
• Work on The Ave! Take advantage of the Vineland commercial district’s ideal location and accommodations to create an inexpensive alternative workspace. Office and professional space, as well as retail space is available. It’s also an opportunity for downtown property owners with office or retail space available for sale or lease to market their vacancies. Property owners can use our website—theave.biz—to get the word out and attract possible tenants. Listings are free. Just click on the tab “Properties” and then “add entry.”
• “Shop Local—Shop Safe” is an initiative in partnership with the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce to emphasize shopping our local businesses, whether retail or supplier level, and doing so in a safe way, following proper social distancing guidelines. We have yard signs about this campaign, so show your support. Contact the Main Street office to get yours.
• In addition to indoor dining resuming, Take Out Thursdays helps restaurants on The Ave. Use that occasion—and any day—to patronize downtown restaurants, especially if you don’t have the time to eat in. Sample the variety of cuisines and keep our business climate healthy.
