April 15, 2020, East Orange, NJ: Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Department of Policy, Planning and Development are proud to announce the launch of a new website, eoshopslocal.com, on Thursday, April 16, 2020 to support the survival and recovery of small businesses impacted during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The website is an online business portal that provides resources for small businesses, public health-related guidance, a directory of restaurants and businesses still open and spotlights on the generous donations from people who have stepped in to help the East Orange community in its time of need.
With many businesses forced to close its brick and mortar sites in compliance with Governor Phil Murphy’s “Stay at Home” Executive Order, the city recognized the need to provide access and support for business owners during this unprecedented crisis. While supporting local businesses was the impetus for creating the website, the online portal also includes additional resources for employees, non-profit organizations and the artist community.
“The COVID-19 Pandemic has drastically changed our world as we know it. The health and well-being of our community is evolving every day and we are working closely with our local, state and federal partners to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people who live, work and invest here,” said Mayor Green. “As we continue to reset and readjust to this new way of life, I urge everyone to continue to shop local to help keep East Orange running strong.”
The site will maintain a list of businesses and resources offering essential services, where they are located and how to patronize them.
"The global and national economy have been negatively impacted by the pandemic, including our local economy and businesses in East Orange," said Christopher D. James, Chairman of the East Orange City Council. "Small businesses are integral to cities like ours. We want our residents and everyone who frequents our city to know that East Orange remains open for business, particularly through the use of technology and this new online business portal EO Shops Local. I encourage you to support East Orange by supporting the local economy."
Fourth Ward Councilman Casim L. Gomez, who chairs the Business Development and Zoning Committee, said this is the time to think outside the box on how to keep East Orange residents connected to local businesses.
"From a business and economic development perspective, we wanted to identify a way to connect our citizens and others to participate in the local economy by being informed about and participate in shopping opportunities — this is why EO Shops Local is an excellent online alternative to visiting stores to purchase your goods and services."
The website also has a section dedicated to sharing stories of goodwill, generosity and kindheartedness.
“There are so many wonderful people who have stepped up to fill in the gaps for our neighbors in need,” said Mayor Green. “This crisis has demonstrated the overwhelming compassion we have for one another and we are so grateful to everyone for their assistance. Together, we will get through this and come out stronger.”
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