Scaling Up: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

“We’re scaling back this year.”

Everyone, including me, is scaling back on their 2020 Thanksgiving plans. We’re travelling less, attending fewer outings, and planning smaller or virtual gatherings of family and friends. Every way you measure the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the numbers are bad. Fortunately, this time around, we understand what it takes to bring down and flatten the curve. Wear a mask. Social distance. Wash our hands. Take special care around those who are particularly vulnerable. 

I’m not going to say it’s harder for Texans to scale back, but we sure do miss doing things big. Texans love a big party, big concert, big celebration, and a big game, and in Arlington, there are so many big things to do!  But the good news is that because we’re in Arlington, there is one way we can scale up this Thanksgiving by sharing something that comes so naturally to us – kindness – especially with our neighbors who are scaling back in order to survive.

Please consider joining Miss Tillie, Jim, and our friends at Mission Arlington as they serve families in need through their annual Thanksgiving @ Mission Arlington food drive and delivery event. The need has never been greater. 

Volunteers are needed NOW to sort and box food, help plan delivery routes and more. On Thanksgiving morning, volunteers are needed by 8:00 a.m. and on-going through noon and beyond. No need to call. Just show up, and there will be plenty of work for you (unless you’re bringing a group, and then please call 817-277-6620, ext. 6160 in advance). 

We know how to do big things in Arlington. Let’s scale up kindness for Mission Arlington this Thanksgiving. 

Small Business Everyday   

This year, Small Business Saturday means something completely different to me, and I hope it does to you, too. In 2020, Small Business Saturday should be a rallying cry -- not just on Saturday, November 28 but throughout the holidays. Frankly, #shopsmall needs to be our personal commitment for the foreseeable future if we want to retain the kinds of locally-owned businesses that make Downtown uniquely Arlington’s.

Click here to discover our eclectic mix of retailers, including health & beauty, antiques, clothing and gifts, and click here for a list of our pubs, cafes and restaurants offering all kinds of meals to go, gift cards, curbside pick-up, and holiday meal prep. 

Get Down to Business Starting November 28   

We’re ready to get Down to Business, the new podcast celebrating the ingenuity, tenacity, pride and entrepreneurial energy that powers all kinds of commercial enterprises in Downtown Arlington! From fledgling start-ups to long-time local favorites and everything in between, Down to Business takes you inside our vibrant and diverse business culture. 

What better day than Small Business Saturday to launch our new series? Join us on Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. when we spend time with Wally Hardin, proprietor of The Man’s Shop at 100 S. West Street. Since the 1970s, The Man’s Shop has built a world-wide reputation for delivering luxury brands and consummate customer service to generations of ¬-clients.  

After this Saturday, Down to Business will become a regular, bi-weekly series with new episodes released at 2:00 p.m. every other Wednesday, starting with:

Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2:00 p.m.: Wally Hardin of The Man’s Shop
Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 2:00 p.m.: Vikash Bhula and Mitesh Natha of Lone Star Axe Throwing
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 2:00 p.m.: Randy Ford of J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill

Down to Business will be available on Downtown Arlington Texas Facebook Live and YouTube channels. Listeners can also tune in to the audio-only podcast format via Spotify and iTunes. 

What’s Your Take? Final Days to Take the COVID-19 Sentiment Survey   

The International Downtown Association wants to hear from Arlington! IDA, the preeminent association for downtown organizations, is asking for your confidential feedback in their Fall 2020 COVID-19 Sentiment Survey. Your input will not only inform our colleagues across the globe but will help Arlington city leaders, the Downtown Arlington Board of Directors, and others plan the next steps in response to the ongoing pandemic. Please take just a few minutes to provide your opinions and share priorities on important issues that affect our health and our economy. 

Click here to start:
survey.rrcresearch.com/s3/DowntownArlingtonSentimentSurvey

Your response by Friday, Nov. 27 is greatly appreciated!

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