Message from Buddy Rizer on Loudoun’s 2021 outlook: “Now that we have closed the book and one of the most challenging years for Loudoun businesses in a generation, I wanted to take a look back at how we responded to the pandemic, and look forward to what we see as #LoudounPossible in the future and a thriving New Year.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our county, our business community, our department, and the way we all pivoted to react to the pandemic. We did outreach to over 4,000 Loudoun businesses and created a bunch of new programs to help our companies and our workforce, which included:
- business support and workforce assistance;
- a new Loudoun Jobs Portal;
- expansion of the “Take Loudoun Home” program;
- establishment of the Loudoun Made Loudoun Grown Marketplace.
“Our Board of Supervisors responded by investing almost $12 million for the Business Interruption Fund and the Outdoor Seating Grant program, where we were able to help more than 2,000 Loudoun businesses.
“But we recognize the biggest lift was done by you, the business community. Overnight, we saw entire industries shut down around the world, or have to make fundamental pivots to a new model. While it wasn’t easy, Loudoun businesses were at the forefront of innovation, finding opportunities to succeed in an ever-changing world.
“Loudoun’s tech industries got historic stress tests as our data centers, health IT and cybersecurity firms rose to meet the needs of the moment. Touch businesses, including those in the rural retail restaurant and hospitality industries, have shown remarkable resiliency, but they still desperately need our support.
“Even with the vaccines on the way, now is the time to invest in the brick and mortar locations that helped make Loudoun so special. To date, more than 700 businesses have taken the Loudoun Is Ready pledge to the health and well-being of their customers and employees. Looking ahead, we’ll be working with our partners in the community to promote these businesses in their greatest time of need.
“As we enter 2021, we urge businesses and consumers to continue supporting our local businesses, continue finding ways to be creative, and find new solutions and to continue to keep each other safe. Cheers to surviving 2020, and here’s to a happy, healthy and thriving New Year.”
