Before we head into the long weekend, I want to send a message to the workers that will be celebrating this Labor Day weekend. To the essential workers who have continued to treat patients at any of our three health care campuses in downtown, or kept the energy and internet running, patrolled our downtown, responded to emergencies, or any of the many critical jobs that we depend on every day… Thank you. On behalf of all downtown, we are grateful for your labor. 

To the workers who, like me, can do some or most of your job from home, I want you to know that we miss you and can’t wait to have you back. You too are a critical part of our downtown. We know that this pandemic won’t last forever, and we are all looking forward to having you back on our streets, sidewalks, and skyways; back in our awesome restaurants and cafes; back collaborating and having unplanned conversations that spark big ideas; back having coffee; back watching shows, concerts, and games. 

I can’t wait for the time when we are all back in downtown together. Whenever its safe, I’m looking forward to the buzz and energy that comes from having a downtown full of all of our workers. In the meantime, if it's been a while since you've been downtown, drop in and grab a bite to eat. Say hi to your usual servers or pick up your favorite downtown treats. Whether you’ve been downtown or at home, we know you’ve been working hard and deserve it. 

Happy Labor Day and have a great weekend everyone!

P.S. Don't forget that the Lowertown Art Market continues this Sunday at CHS Plaza and Lowertown Local happens every Thursday evening in Mears Park.