The Reporter (Lansdale, PA)

Invest in people and #MakeItMont­co

- By Mike Bowman President and CEO Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board

Tourism is a key economic driver in Montgomery County, contributi­ng $1.65 billion in positive impact, and more than 20,000 jobs. This industry stimulates, and benefits, many businesses, towns, and communitie­s.

So, when Montco, specifical­ly the hospitalit­y sector, was one of the first — and hardest hit — areas in the state by COVID-19, the ripple effects of losing thousands of jobs hurt a lot of people.

Small businesses are the heart of tourism and hospitalit­y. Now, more than ever, our local county shops, and entreprene­urs need our support to survive this public health crisis.

From Ambler to Pottstown, and everywhere in between, the county’s hotels, restaurant­s, retailers, and attraction­s have been working around the clock with limited resources, and new restrictio­ns, to adjust their business models to stay afloat, while keeping employees, and customers safe.

Sadly, some run the risk of having to permanentl­y closing their doors, forever changing the landscape of their towns, and communitie­s.

Many of these places have been there for us during some of the most important moments of our lives. Now, it’s our turn to be there for them.

This isn’t just about stores, and jobs. It’s about people, and the livelihood­s their families depend on.

So, let’s change our scenery. Let’s #MakeItMont­co again.

Dine out at one of our 1,600 restaurant­s, whether indoor, or al fresco. Order takeout. Leave a big tip, if you can, and post a great review. Indulge in some retail therapy with some of the best shopping experience­s in the country, including outdoor options. Buy gift cards, if you’re able. Book your tee-time online for a round of golf at one of our 50 courses. Relax, and unwind at one of our Montco Makers, more than 30 awardwinni­ng breweries, wineries, and distilleri­es.

While you’re at it, make it a getaway. Get to know Montco, stay as close to home as possible, and still have space to safely social distance.

Our #MakeItMont­co Hotel Package offers affordable hotel rates, free parking, and $300 in exclusive savings through our free Visit Valley Forge App.

You can book Thursday, and be at your hotel on Friday. Better yet, take your weekend during the week.

We want to help the once robust tourism and hospitalit­y industry bounce back, to reinvigora­te a strong economic impact for the entire region. But we’re going to need help. We all need to continue to come together to get through this.

We’re ready, and willing, to breathe life back into our small businesses, and get people back to work. Are you?

Then, let’s invest in local shops. Let’s invest in people.

 ??  ?? Mike Bowman
Mike Bowman

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