Happy New Year! 

We hope you all had a restful Holiday.   The lockdown continues into January and is proving challenging for many of us, but it is our sincere hope that you can look back on 2020 and think of all the things you DID manage to accomplish, against all odds and in the face of an unprecedented pandemic.  

We saw many of you pivot your business models, introduce new inventory, change hours and services, adapt and try new things to reach your customers.  Maybe your successes were big ones– increased sales and a new online shop -  or maybe they were small ones – you found support and friendship with a business neighbour you had never really spoken to before, or you found some time to deep clean and organize your shop.  

Whatever your accomplishments were in 2020, they are worth celebrating, and we can’t wait to see what our resilient, creative, caring, hard-working and talented Downtown businesses owners will come up with in 2021!

WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

The votes have been tabulated and the results are in!  It was a close race this year and our judges were blown away by your beautiful and creative window displays.  We also heard from members of the public that they really appreciated the extra bit of sparkle and Holiday cheer Downtown this year, so thank you ALL for your enthusiasm and efforts!  

Tune in virtually to the Annual General Meeting on January 27th at 7pm to hear who has won the $1500 Marketing Prize!  Please check your inbox for the invitation and RSVP to ambassador@downtownorangeville.ca by January 14th!  

Our lips are sealed until then, but we CAN tell you that you all did such an excellent job this year that we have decided to award prizes for 2nd & 3rd place as well!   

Looking forward to seeing you all on the 27th!

TAKE-OUT, CURBSIDE PICK UP & VIRTUAL CLASSES

Throughout the lockdown, we will be promoting that our Downtown businesses are OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT, CURBSIDE PICK UP & VIRTUAL CLASSES/APPOINTMENTS.   

We have put together a list of businesses that are offering these services, please take a moment to ensure that your place of business is listed in the correct category on our website and contact us right away if you would like to be added to the list or have been listed in error.

Where possible, we will link directly to your website so that customers can easily view your current hours and policies.  Please ensure that these key items are up to date on your website, Facebook page and Google Business page: 

-Current hours

-curb-side pick up, take-out, and delivery information

-phone number

-email address

Taking the time to update these key areas shows your customers that you are thinking about them, that you recognize that their time is valuable and that they don’t want to have to go searching for this information, and shows that you are going the extra mile to meet their needs, even at this difficult time.   If you need assistance to create a social media graphic or make edits to your social media pages or Google Business page, please don’t hesitate to email or call!   We are more than happy to help!

SAVE ON ENERGY SMALL BUSINESS LIGHTING PROGRAM

Save on Energy is offering small businesses up to $2000 in incentives towards eligible energy-efficient lighting upgrades.  An investment in energy-efficient lighting is an investment in your customers’ experience AND it’s convenient – they find a contractor and install for you.  Click here to learn more.

Thanks everyone!