Stronger Together Through Momentum: Weekly Message from Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of DAMC

Thank you, Arlington! During the Downtown Arlington Restaurant Rally last weekend, we welcomed more people to our district than we have in three months. With social distancing measures and safe food handling practices firmly in place, locals kicked back on newly-expanded patios at several of their favorite hang-outs. After graduation ceremonies, visitors discovered our unique blend of local flavors. People enjoyed end-to-end curb appeal as they strolled along Abram Street’s newly-completed sidewalk. And the word continues to spread: our Restaurant Rally social media campaign generated close to 130,000 total impressions.
 
Just like the first pep rally of football season, our Restaurant Rally kicked off a very important moment in time in Downtown Arlington. We’re heading into our summer season, and as any baseball fan will tell you, some summers are longer than others. That’s particularly true this summer, especially if you're a small business owner.
 
There is good news. Tarrant County and the City of Arlington just announced a new business resiliency grant in support of small business in Arlington. Funded through the federal PPP program and administered by the County, this new program is available to all for-profit businesses with 25 or fewer employees. This $10,000 grant can be used to cover payroll costs, rent, lease payments, and certain expenses related to COVID-19 response. Read our blog post or visit the Tarrant County Small Business page for more information and application deadlines.

Also in support of our businesses and cultural partners, we’re relaunching our pre-coronavirus Downtown Arlington e-newsletter, which highlights people, news and upcoming events throughout the district. We’ve encouraged our businesses and cultural partners to provide information about their live and virtual events so you can find all the information you need in one convenient location.

This summer, we invite you to make Downtown your home base. Help us build on the momentum of the Restaurant Rally so our cultural entities, and locally-owned restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, businesses, and shops can have a winning season. Remember, if you keep rallying for them, they will rally for you!
 
With thanks,

Maggie Campbell
President and CEO
Downtown Arlington Management Corporation