As we discussed previously, consumers are committed to supporting small businesses more than ever before. This is especially true of young people (Millennials and Gen Z), who are more likely to support a small business with a robust digital presence. This can take many forms, but we would like to highlight some important things to keep in mind when developing your digital footprint.

Obviously, social media

But phoning in a post or two a month just won't cut it. You need to be consistently engaged with your community and market and must be an active participant in it. Join groups that are active in your town or region or that focus on your areas of specialty. Not only is it the right thing to do (support the people that make it possible for you to have a business), but it also will significantly enhance your name recognition. "Oh, that's James' Waffles and More! I see them all the time on Instagram. I'll have to check them out- we really should go there tonight."

            Of particular concern and debate in the community right now is the issue of the proposed casino up for referendum vote in November. If approved, it will be constructed at the old Schoolfield Mills site on West Main Street. While we at 5th Tangent welcome multiple viewpoints on this and a whole host of other issues, we would like to explore the potential economic benefits for the community as a whole if the referendum passes in November.

            SB 1126 was introduced in the General Assembly in December 2018 and made its way through the procedural journey to be signed by the Governor by March 2019. An updated version, SB 36, was passed in April 2020 that incorporated amendments recommended by Governor Northam. The authorized casino gaming in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be regulated by the Lottery Board . Such gaming would be limited to cities that meet certain criteria.

Among other things, these criteria include:

“Any city that had . . .an unemployment rate of at least five percent in November 2017 . . . a poverty rate of at least 20 percent in 2016 . . . and . . . a population decrease of at least 20 percent from 1990 to 2016 . . ..”

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