February 11, 2025
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Coronavirus

Mayor Wayne Jett announces plans for supporting local businesses and residents

By NABIHA ASIM

Mayor Wayne Jett discusses the city of McHenry's accomplishments and goals on Feb. 27 at the State of McHenry Luncheon at the McHenry Country Club. (Nabiha Asim)

Mayor Wayne Jett announced Tuesday his ideas for supporting local businesses and residents during the stay-at-home period ordered by Gov. JB Pritzker Friday to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

It is up to the community to do its part to support businesses, Jett said in a message to the city, as they need the support now more than ever.

Jett also reminded the community that many businesses are still open and able to operate in some manner.

Restaurants can provide carry out or curbside service, many trades remain in service and grocery stores and pharmacies still are open.

Jett said in his message that supporting locally owned businesses is the fastest way to recover as money can be pumped right back into the local economy.

Jett researched how to help local businesses during this time and here are a few ideas he wanted to share:

1. Shop online. If your favorite store is closed under the shelter in place guidelines, or you just don’t feel comfortable going out, see if you can shop online.

2. Gift certificates. Most retailers, service-based businesses and restaurants offer gift certificates so even if you aren’t looking to buy now, grab a gift certificate for later.

3. Refer a friend. Make a list of those people you know that might benefit from the product or service that your favorite businesses sells and then refer them. Word of mouth is the best advertising for small businesses.

4. Share on social media. “Check in” when visiting your favorite business and share your experience. Post pictures or talk about the products or services that are valuable to you. Your social media followers may have no idea that the business exists.

5. Lead the recovery effort. Once this is over (and it will end) be a champion for your favorite small businesses. Frequent it early and often and ask your friends and family to do the same.

Jett also requests residential and commercial landlords to consider relief for tenants for the upcoming few months if possible. He said this could come in the form of adding to their terms or eliminating/discounting rent for some period of time.

Along with the residents doing their part, Jett pledges that the city of McHenry is also preparing to do its part as well.

The city staff has been working on a city-funded economic incentive package to help residents and business in their time of need. Jett wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday that he is committed to increasing the loan program for small businesses by also decreasing the interest rate to 0%.

Further details on the incentive package will be released Wednesday.