The resounding call as we head into this COVID winter is “resilience”.  The definition of resilience is “the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.” Clearly Frederick residents and businesses are adapting to online learning and work, masks, hand sanitizers, and social distancing. Approximately 53% of households in the Capital Region have one or more family members working remotely from home – the highest rate in the nation.  Despite the challenges, our incredible community spirit is shining through as neighbors help neighbors and as businesses pivot to retain employees and sustain operations. Many have donated goods, time, and energy to helping others. Frederick’s non-profits are doing more with less as physical and mental health issues take their toll on residents and workforce.

Since March, my team has visited dozens of businesses as the City has processed business and non-profit assistance grants, outdoor dining agreements on public and private land, implemented the curbside pickup program, and more. The resilience and innovation is simply unsurpassed. Unemployment has dropped from over 9% to less than 6%.  New businesses are opening and existing ones are adapting.  Please support your local businesses. Their livelihood and that of many of your neighbors who are employed locally depends on it. Together we can make it through and be better and stronger for the struggle.  There are lots of positive things occurring in Frederick and we are poised for strong post-COVID recovery. Read on in this month’s Business eNews to see what’s happening locally.

Be Safe and Carry On.