Stronger Together Through Communication: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President/CEO of DAMC

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, today Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued several executive orders. Included in those orders are restrictions on public gatherings to 10 people or less, and requirements that all bars and restaurants may only operate delivery or take-out services.* These orders are in effect through April 3 with the possibility of extension.

In response to those orders, Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC) is rapidly instituting a fundamental shift in our programming priorities and the way we communicate with our many stakeholders. 

Our staff is already working tirelessly to develop numerous programs in response to the unique needs of our Business Improvement District (BID). We pledge to work in lock-step with government entities and economic partners to communicate the most up-to-date public health reports and recovery-related resources. 

To facilitate communication amongst our members, DAMC hosts a private Facebook group for our Downtown business owners that encourages resource-sharing and open discussion. We have another private Facebook group for our cultural organizations that encourages arts-related resource-sharing and discussion. Our public-facing social media will accelerate the dissemination of official information and programming updates.

As of today, we’re suspending our weekly RSS-fed e-newsletter and will replace it with regular updates tailored to the needs of our BID members, cultural institutions, and community. Until restrictions on public gatherings are officially lifted, Downtown event information will no longer appear on our website or in our e-newsletter. While all March and April events have been deleted from our website events calendar, information about events taking place in May 2020 and beyond has been preserved on the back-end of our site. Once public gathering restrictions are lifted, we will reactivate our website events calendar, interactive directory listing, and event promotion through our e-newsletter and social media.

DOWNTOWN DELIVERS

Earlier this week, DAMC launched Downtown Delivers. Downtown Delivers is an online platform for Downtown Arlington bar and restaurant partners to quickly communicate their current operating models. Through this platform, customers can immediately find information and make informed purchasing decisions in support of their favorite Downtown dining destinations. In addition to providing a business overview, directions and contact information, Downtown Delivers identifies those dining partners that are currently offering to-go ordering, curbside pick-up and/or delivery options.

If your business is located in Downtown Arlington but is not currently represented in our online business directory, Downtown Delivers, or in one of our private Facebook groups, contact Katie Gosa, BID Services and Communications Manager, at katie@downtownarlington.org.

COVID-19 INFORMATION

We want to serve as a comprehensive resource for our entire Downtown community. We’ve therefore launched a COVID-19 information page on our website, which includes links to official news and updates from federal, state and local officials about what everyone can do to slow down the spread of the virus. Through this page, we will also respond to the particular needs of our BID members and local community by providing links to business resources, arts-oriented resources, new initiatives, and best practices for industries represented within our community.  

Visit our COVID-19 information page at downtownarlington.org/covid-19

STRATEGIC PLANNING

During a crisis, being strategic means operating both in the short- and long-term. DAMC will vigilantly monitor the environment in which we are currently operating for long-term implications and solutions. We know that downtowns across the country have gone quiet, with the high volume of downtown employees and visitors both in short supply for the near future. Businesses are struggling to adapt and respond, with no set rules and continued uncertainty about this health and economic crisis facing all of us.

But there is good news. I’m in communication with downtown organizations across the country, sharing ideas and innovative resources. Here at home, we’re already seeing an incredible amount of ingenuity and problem-solving. Now is the time to think strategically about how we can do business in these uncertain times and support one other’s efforts.

In the coming days, we will be organizing webinars to provide some business resilience strategies and shared solutions for our Downtown BID members and non-profit partners. We are also seeking ways to support those people in our community who are facing the greatest challenges. Watch our COVID-19 information page and social media for details. 

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

The health and wellness of our businesses, team, and community is the top priority for DAMC. As you well know, a critical part of halting the spread of COVID-19 is public adherence to “social distancing.” While our physical location is closed, please rest assured that our staff members are available to you by phone and email as they work from their homes.

HOPE

Above all, we want our Downtown community to know that we are here for you, providing support, resources, and timely information. Ultimately, by finding solutions together, we will generate the kind of hope that can and will overcome the greatest obstacles. 

If you have questions, ideas or comments to share, please don’t hesitate to call on us.

Sincerely,

Maggie Campbell
President and CEO
Downtown Arlington Management Corporation