PAGE 22 • June 2020 •
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could to help. When we initially shut down, one anonymous gym patron purchased Wegmans gift cards to be distributed amongst all of our by JENNIFER NASTASI GUZELAK employees, another built us a new weight rack, and many members requested that we NOT freeze their membership fees, suggesting that we give that money to any employees in need. Due to new social distancing recommendations, I needed several pieces of The coronavirus pandemic has had dire impacts on the U.S. economy, delivering a plexiglass in preparation devastating blow for hundreds of thousands of restaurants, stores and other small for our re-opening. Two of businesses across the country. Many found themselves suddenly cut off from their our members who used to customers as Americans self-quarantine from the lethal pandemic. own a local business not Small businesses have been hit especially hard by the crisis, as they often have fewer only helped me find what resources to draw on during a shut-down. The painful and uncertain impact of the I needed at a reasonable coronavirus on small business owners is staggering and likely to be substantial. These price; they also volunteered owners, like many others, are being forced to take drastic measures to prepare to their time to help make re-open, and many are fearful about their futures. Christy Callahan looking out over an empty them to the specifications Just a couple of months ago, business at Champions Fitness Center was fantastic. parking lot wondering about the future for required. All of these Everything was going according to plan and the future looked bright. Today, just weeks small business everywhere selfless deeds definitely later, owner Christy Callahan finds herself looking out to an empty parking lot without don’t go unnoticed. any certainty as to what the future will hold. Thankfully, federal, state, Since 1990, Champions Fitness Center has been providing health and wellness services and local governments are starting to come to the rescue of small businesses, and some to the Syracuse community. Known for its friendly staff and countless amenities, community efforts are helping, too. “We will take it day by day, continue to monitor Champions Fitness Center has many patrons who have been a part of the gym’s “family” things closely, and make adjustments as needed based on what we are faced with. My for years. worry is not (my husband) Jeff and I as much as it is my members, my employees, and For many, the gym is an escape from the daily grind - the stresses of everyday life. their families,” Callahan said. Many people depend on that daily workout to maintain their mental and physical State governors and economic agencies are working with the SBA to provide well-being. “Whether it’s a group fitness class with your favorite instructor, a personal low-interest loans for small-business owners and private nonprofits financially impacted training session with one of our highly certified personal trainers, a swim in the pool, or as a direct result of COVID-19. just a great workout on your own in our 26,000 sq. foot facility, we have something to The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program will provide working capital loans of offer everyone, and everyone is welcome,” says Callahan. up to $2 million. It will help impacted businesses meet financial obligations and On March 16th, when Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered all gyms and fitness centers operating expenses, which could have been met had the disaster not occurred. These to shut-down, however, everything changed. “I remember how I felt when I got the news. I was Letter from the editor: overwhelmed with emotion - anger, fear, anxiety and On behalf of all of the local restaurants and businesses, we Thank You for sadness - to name only a few. Up until that point, I really each and every purchase. thought we could stay one step ahead of this,” Ms. Every time you make a purchase from one of our local businesses, Callahan said. you help a single Mom pay a light bill, a stay at home Mom pay for Champions was one of the many local businesses dance lessons, hard working parents pay mortgages, college students pay for books. which had made it a point to step up their cleaning You signifigantly impact the bottom line of REAL FAMILIES. protocols in the wake of the breaking news of the God Bless, Stay Safe, and your local businesses look forward Covid-19 pandemic. Keeping the health of the to welcoming you back better than ever in the future! members and the community in the forefront, they had all of the staff closely following the guidelines that were implemented by the CDC, the WHO, local authorities, and physicians. “We were vigilant and adhered respectfully to their recommendations,” says Callahan. With no other choice, members and staff were notified, and Champions closed their doors at 8 pm that evening for an undetermined amount of time. “I involuntarily laid off our entire team,” says Callahan. “On the bright side,” she continued, I am completely humbled and in awe at the number of people in our community who have stepped up to do whatever they
Exercise & Fitness
Through the Eyes of a Small Business Owner
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