Shop Local 2020

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Chamber is here for you in good times, tough times STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

As businesses and industries large and small were forced to adapt or even close because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Franklin Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce has been there for businesses in whatever

capacity was possible.

Teresa Beale, executive director, said, “Obviously early on, I worked from here with the door closed. Melissa Rose [assistant] worked from home. We continue to serve our members. There’s been a lot of phone calls, checking on them.

“The Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. and Downtown Franklin Association

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and the Chamber pulled together. So much information was coming at us about personal protection equipment loans, Small Business Association loans, etc., we decided to join together and did a weekly newsletter on our lists rather than sending them separately. I think that was very well received, and we continue to do that.”

On the Chamber webpage — www.fsachamber.com — a special resource page was set up

and continues to be maintained.

Information about federal, state and local resources and grants is conveniently listed.

“Early on it was overwhelming and the rules kept changing,” Beale continued, citing the PPE loans as an example. “It’s very confusing for a lot of businesses.”

She noted that local financial institutions have “really stepped up” in helping customers to fill out forms for loans or grants.

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The Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce is headquartered in one of the oldest buildings in the city. The place was deeded to the Chamber by the late Sol W. Rawls Jr.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

page — which was set up early on — to let residents know which establishments were open, delivering or offering take-out.

Viewers can click on links that take them to the respective website or Facebook page with all the necessary information.

The Chamber has also expressed its appreciation to the community for its support of small businesses.

“We’re just trying to remind them that all these local businesses are here for you. They’ve been really creative in serving their customers — online fashion shows and all kinds of things.

Lot of social media, Facebook

5

Shop Local Live,” Beale continued. “We want to remind people to shop local because it’s so important.”

Most recently, a new program has been started on the Chamber’s Facebook page, “Growing Forward with Hope,” which features inspirational messages and even uplifting songs, such as from Micah Dillon.

The director has seen that some businesses have adapted by conducting online meetings.

“People have adjusted.

Businesses are working very hard to stay afloat,” said Beale. “I see they’re resilient, and not in a panic, for which I’m glad.”

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Among the many activities and events presented by the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce is the recognition and presentation of Business of the Year Award.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

DFA acknowledges adjustments will be difficult Director suggests positive business models could result STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

Downtown Franklin, like downtowns everywhere in the country, has had more than its share of hard knocks throughout the past several

decades. Economic downtowns, weather-related disasters and changes in how people shop are a few. The most recent is closing or limiting business hours due to the precautions compelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Someone who can testify to that is the Downtown Franklin

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Association Executive Director Dan Howe.

“I think it’s been tough on everybody. Some businesses have adapted. Some had to completely shutdown due the guidelines,” said Howe.

He added, “It’s nice that the Downtown Franklin Association, FSEDI and Chamber of Commerce get grants to help others through the tough times.”

With Gov. Ralph Northam’s easing of previous restrictions in

phases, several businesses have reportedly been able to become more available to the public.

“I see them starting up again,” said Howe. “It’s nice to go to lunch and see cars and people downtown.”

The adjustments, he acknowledged, “are going to be tough.”

Then added that out of this situation perhaps a different business model could arise, “Maybe one that’s positive, and we could be bigger and stronger going forward.”

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Kasey and Delia Square of Storehouse Coffee hold up the big checks they received from the STARTUP campaign in 2019. In addition to the $20,000 grand prize, the couple also was awarded $2,500 to be use for marketing and advertising. The program is a joint venture between the Downtown Franklin Association and the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

FSEDI met pandemic challenges with partnerships STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

While social distancing is still a necessary guideline to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn’t mean everything has to work separately. Consider the triad of the Franklin Southampton County Economic Development Inc., Downtown Franklin Association and Franklin Southampton Chamber of Commerce. Though each has its niche that fosters business growth and development,

they can and have been working together. When it comes to the FSEDI, said its president and CEO Jay Brenchick, “Anytime we met a challenge, we always worked with the DFA, Chamber and other agencies.”

The pandemic, he added, “Pointed out a need to strengthen that partnership. We’ve had our newsletters in sync to provide accurate and timely information to businesses, and we stay in that tight communication.”

For example, the organizations SEE FSEDI, Page 15

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In late September of 2018, Belmont Peanuts in Southampton County announced it was building a new production facility and warehouse. Much of the process to making that possible was facilitated through the Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc. Pictured above, Southampton County Supervisor Dallas Jones, center, receives the $30,000 check from Stephanie R. Agee, director of marketing and development for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The money was matched to help the company. With them is Brian Hedgepeth, chairman of FSEDI.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Jack Jr. auto repair, towing has adapted to situation STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

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Jack Jr.’s Towing also offers auto repairs, and precautions to protect the health of both customers and staff were quickly put in place when the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect Virginia.

Even though daily life has stopped in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s still been a need to get to necessary places, such as doctors’ offices or the grocery stores. But what happens when your vehicle needs servicing and so many precautions must be observed to make repairs?

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quickly adapted.

Jackie Story Newsome, the owner and general manager, said, “I was fortunate that I never had to cut hours or furlough any employees. Our work stayed relatively steady throughout. In the beginning we began by following the CDC cleaning guidelines for sanitation. All surfaces are cleaned as customers coming in and out.

Technicians are wearing gloves and changing them between vehicles.”

She continued, “We have always SEE TOWING, Page 15

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Main Street establishes low-interest loan fund

BY DAN HOWE

FRANKLIN

Downtown Franklin Association’s Board of Directors announced the establishment of a Revolving Loan Fund this week. A grant from Virginia Main Street and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development is providing DFA with the impetus and resources to establish the fund. The Revolving Loan Fund is initially being administered as part of DFA’s SOS Relief Grant Program, which was implemented to offset some of the devastating economic consequences

of the pandemic. In the longer-term, an ongoing, low-interest loan source will be available to support economic development

activities in Franklin’s central business district, assisting in the establishment of new small businesses or assisting existing businesses

with growth plans.

Since the receipt of the grant from DHCD, Downtown Franklin SEE DFA, Page 15

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Kathara Spa owner remains optimistic STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

If ever there was a time that everyone needs spa treatment — massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, etc. — this is it. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, its accompanying restrictions in mobility and how to conduct business have been stressful for everyone. No one has been unaffected, and that includes Kathara Spa on Main Street.

Emily Gyoker, the owner, said,

“We were closed for 13 weeks from March 18 to June 1. We re-opened on the 2. We couldn’t operate with the provisions that the Governor [Ralph Northam] explained we had to follow.”

So far, there are fewer employees and shorter business hours, which means that the spa is also closed on Saturdays for now.

That’s enabled Gyoker to personally give the place another cleaning in preparation for the week ahead.

All staff members available are wearing masks, and for the time being facials are off the menu. The sauna and lockers are also unavail-

able for now.

“Most people are coming in and not really saying much,” she said, adding that there have been some complaints about why they’re still wearing masks. Gyoker quickly explains that’s not her decision — it’s mandated. “If I do no, I could lose my license irrevocably.”

Following the requirements to reopen has been hard. Gyoker said she’s had to buy all the CDCapproved chemicals for cleaning.

“First I had to find them — they’ve not been readily available.

It’s an expense I didn’t have before.

I’ve talked to Jay [Brenchick] at FSEDI that the City needs to give some [tax] credit for cleaning supplies. I’m not the only one.”

There’s also been a lot more

paperwork, such as keeping track of customers. Waivers have to be signed since there’s no coverage by insurance. Same goes for the employees as well.

Coverings are needed for the tables because the strong chemicals could “eat through” the surface materials. Special and costly HVAC filters are installed to keep air from recirculating any germs.

“We’re just really trying to simply things,” Gyoker said, and acknowledged that clients are missing out on the full experience they feel they’re paying for.”

“I’m trying to move forward as best I can,” she continued. “It’s a little nerve-wracking, but I’m trying to stay positive.”

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FILE PHOTOS

Emily Gyoker, in front, with her staff for Kathara Spa on Main Street in Franklin. This picture was taken when the spa was celebrating a grand re-opening in May 2019. Like so many other businesses, Kathara had to close this past spring in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reopened on June 2, the spa has been making necessary adjustments to safely serve clients.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

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Businesswoman hopeful that clients will travel again STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

“To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive,” said Robert Louis Stevenson.

That’s a sentiment particularly apt because the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to so many people’s plans for seasonal vacations.

One businesswoman who can speak to that is Brigitte Bradshaw, who opened up The Travel Girl on Market Street in downtown Franklin last year.

“The pandemic] has definitely affected travel majorly,” said Bradshaw.

“Of course, there have been no new clientele coming in. I’ve had to rebook, reschedule or cancel from March through June, and

even some in July.”

She added, “A lot of my clients had to cancel, but got credit through vendors.”

The uncertainty of being able to travel has understandably caused Bradshaw as well as clients to become nervous.

Questions have come to mind, questions such as “What’s safe to do?” and “How are things going to be traveling?”

That’s where the Travel Girl is kept on her toes in researching to find out the safest and best experience.

As conditions have seemingly calmed down — knock wood — there’s a growing sense of optimism for the travel industry.

Bradshaw said she expects people to start coming in to say, “OK, let’s get something booked.”

“I see it coming soon, hopefully,” she said.

SUBMITTED | STEPHEN H. COWLES

Brigitte Bradshaw, who opened up The Travel Girl last summer, has had to adapt to how the COVID-19 pandemic affected her business. She’s hopeful that soon new clients will be looking to book a vacation this year.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Blake Ford continues to roll on for their customers STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

The COVID-19 pandemic threw the proverbial monkey wrench into car dealerships everywhere, and that included Blake Ford on Armory Boulevard in Franklin.

“We were definitely affected,” said general manager Brandon Blythe. “We were having a great, great month until the first half of

the month — March 1-15. Then March 16, the lights went out.

“Dealerships were 60 to 70 percent down. Not just us.

Everybody felt it. We ended up closing on Mondays for a few weeks, but not for very long.”

Naturally, that included service as well as sales all through SUBMITTED Blake Ford in Franklin took a hit like all other dealeships because of the COVID-19 panApril to the beginning of May. demic. The company quickly set up safety procedures for customers and staff. Now the company is seeing a gradual increase in sales and service.

“Things started picking up in early May,” Blythe said. thing to help such as picking up For the sake of everyone’s safe- everywhere and social distance vehicles.” guides were set up. ty, masks were quickly required, That said Blythe, included “The place was Lysol-ed every sanitizer dispensers were put helping achieve sales as well. day throughout the day — espe“We’ll continue to offer to go cially the bathrooms,” he said. to them, for sure,” he said. “We’ve On its website and Facebook, increased our online presence a the dealership put the word out, lot and are willing to do anything in effect, “We understand you we can for our customers.” can’t come out. We’ll do any-

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Franklin Crafters Gallery adapts to the times STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER stephen.cowles@thetidewaternews.com

FRANKLIN

Franklin Crafters Gallery has become more than a place to find quality craftsmanship and artistry with which to ornament your home. Since the COVID-19 pandemic came stateside, the business has had to cope with new circumstances. One way has been to create personal protection equipment in the shape of masks.

“I’ve been closed since March 17, 19,” said Keli Jo Judas, propri-

etor. “However, what I have done is we have been making masks.

When you need handmade things, you call that place.

She figures that thousands of masks have been made.

“I didn’t keep track at first — I didn’t have any interest in counting — but at midway I started.”

At the time she spoke earlier this month, the figure was at 5,262.

“Some weeks it would be me and one other person; others, there would be dozens,” said Judas, who added that she’s also made masks for Riverside Brentwood Family Medicine of

Newport News, which deals with children’s respiratory issues. “So I ended up specifically making them for children in mind and they really work well for everyone.

If she’s creating the kind that a wearer ties on their face, then about six can be made per hour.

Those of her own design — 18 made in an hour.

All these masks have been given out to anyone who ask — to the public, to doctors, nurses, nursing homes and retirement communities, such as the Village at Woods Edge or Lake Prince.

What has helped is that fabric

has been donated.

“It’s just been wonderful,” said Judas. “We’ve probably gotten more in donations than what we need. Whatever surplus we have will go to the Franklin Police Department.”

As for the future, she’s been hoping to re-open on July 4, but much depends on the city and whatever place Virginia is in as far as the pandemic is concerned. A craft fair in the lot beside the building has been imagined, but she’ll have to find a balance between the activity and public health.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

BSV adapting to meet customers’ needs More options being made available to them STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

You know that expression, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?” That idea could be applied to The Bank of Southside Virginia, better known regionally as BSV. The bank wasn’t untouched by the COVID-19 pandemic — the lobbies closed, for example — but it certainly didn’t break the bank, so to speak.

“It [the pandemic] definitely affected us and the whole banking sector in general,” said BSV Brand Manager Brody Rotzel.

“But one of the things that we [BSV] were already doing was making banking more online.

That was already in progress.

The pandemic really sped up the process.”

That also meant having to quicken the pace of teaching employees how to help their customers learn “banking on the go.” Animations have even been created to teach online banking at BSV. “We’d love to see everybody [in person], but unfortunately in these times …,” he said, and added that the online options

SUBMITTED

BSV Brand Manager Brody Rotzel is excited about how The Bank of Southside Virginia has adapted to changing times as a way to better serve its customers. This includes banking via the website and mobile apps on smarthphones.

allow customers to “bank on their time rather than very specific times. The website has everything on it.”

So until the lobbies reopen, everything that you can do at a BSV branch, such as the one on Armory Drive in Franklin, is also being put online or through a mobile app on your smartphone.

“We’re still here completely,” Rotzel said.

Contacting the bank can be done through calls, emails, visits to websites and now there’s also a platform that enables BSV customers to talk to the bank via an app, which he said is like tex-

STEPHEN H. COWLES | THE TIDEWATER NEWS

The Bank of Southeast Virginia, better known as BSV, is increasing options for its clients to do banking at their convenience, rather than having to wait for the drive=thru or the lobby.

ting.

“It’s completely secure,” said Rotzel, who added that there’s still “a small-town feel, but we’ve made it a little bit easier for customers. It’s banking at their fingertips, but we’re here 100 percent of the way.”

He’s been especially pleased at the customers’ reaction.

“It’s interesting to see how the community has come together to overcome the [pandemic] situation,” he said. “Customers are doing awesome job in coming

along and working with us.

They’re very open. It’s been a big learning lesson for all of us.”

Rotzel views the process is “transforming us into more of a resource center rather than just a place to make a transaction.

There’s a lot less serving and more resourcing. That’s the cool thing about BSV.” “All in all,” he concluded, “We’re just going to continuously work with customers to broaden their horizons in this ever-changing environment.”

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Downtown committee puts out the SOS — ‘Sustain Our Street’ STEPHEN H. COWLES STAFF WRITER Stephen.Cowles@TheTidewaterNews.com

FRANKLIN

Downtown Franklin businesses took a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic — severely restricted hours of operation, for example, but they’re not buckling under.

Instead, to generate support a campaign has been launched — Sustain Our [Main] Street.

Among those leading the charge is Barbara Nixon, who owns and operates Lavender and Lace. The Economic Vitality Committee was formed, which includes her and other business owners.

“Initially, the Downtown Franklin Association came up with the idea to counteract the pandemic and any effects,” said Nixon, who added that the agency is observing its 35th anniversary this year.

The DFA has been working with both the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. and the

Franklin Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce.

They’ve supplied businesses with much information on getting grants and loans to get them through the tough times.

“We want to show folks we’re still standing strong,” said Nixon. “We’ve been getting tremendous support from the community and want to show our appreciation. We’re alive and well. Many [businesses] could have been lost.”

Three different mini-events for the public are also planned, the first of which is this month. When you go to a downtown business, you can sign up for a chance to win 15 gift cards, each with a $25 value.

“Now through June 30, register for the drawing. Winner takes all,” said Nixon, who also encouraged customers to visit the DFA website and Facebook page for more information The two other events will be in July, but details are not yet ready to be announced.

L A C O L P O SH

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was closed to the public, it was still open for businesses that were considered essential. I’ve worked at the Franklin Business Center throughFROM PAGE 7 have regularly let their clients know out. What’s great is that we have that technology to do so.” that they have been working for With the state in Phase II of Gov. them in finding grants and other tools that could enable them to stay Ralph Northam’s pandemic recovin business. Even the FSEDI had to ery guidelines, the FBC has been make adjustments in order to func- able to re-open to the public, he continued. “There are policies and tion. procedures established to secure Brenchick said, “I was able to the safety of the clients, customers have the staff telecommunicate to work. although the business center and staff.”

FSEDI

TOWING FROM PAGE 8

had a before or after-hours key drop. We encouraged our customers to use that service. We also offer local pick up and delivery and that was also encouraged. We spaced our appointments out to allow our waiting area to clear before the next customer came in.”

Newsome said, “I also added a new program to make communi-

DFA FROM PAGE 9

Association has awarded 28 grants to small Main Street businesses via ROUND II of its SOS: Save Our [Main] Street grant program.

“With the establishment of our Revolving Loan Fund, this generous award from Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development will have ongoing impact for the vitali-

cation between us and the customer much easier. It really helps when the vehicles are dropped off.

It starts by a technician doing a full check-up of your vehicle, including any issues you may be having. We then text or email you a full report including pictures of the good and the not so good. The customer can then text us back or call us for more information.

“This service has proven to be invaluable during the restrictions that we have faced.” ty of our Main Street business community,” stated Jackie Newsome, vice president, Downtown Franklin Association Board of Directors.

The City of Franklin is a designated Virginia Main Street Community. Downtown Franklin Association is accredited by National Main Street to administer the Main Street program for the City. This year, Franklin Main Street is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

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