When the going gets tough, local businesses get going As a longtime business owner in the Triad, I have always been a big supporter of backing local companies and following the principle of “give where you live.” But as we all know, relationships are a two-way street. And right now, as we grapple with this unprecedented crisis caused by COVID-19, I am seeing local businesses step up and give back to their customers in ways that are both practical, and inspirational. As the saying goes: In bad times, you find out who your real friends are. Since the beginning of this crisis,...

As COVID-19 continues to sweep across the United States, government bodies, commercial organizations and individuals are already looking forward to how we’ll build a new future. The impact of COVID-19 may be unprecedented in living memory, but the compassionate and courageous response is nothing new. Like everyone, my outlook has been changed by COVID-19. As we’ve seen the speed at which a previously unknown threat can affect our country, it’s natural to feel shocked and wary. Now that we find ourselves reaching the peak of the outbreak, however, these initial emotions have given way to altogether more positive ones: optimism, hope,...

Right now, we are living in uncertain times resulting from a global pandemic. There is fear and even panic resulting from this virus and the resulting aftermath. Many are sick, some have died, many more are at risk, food and savings are scarce for some people, some have lost their jobs or at least their income, and schools are shut down. No one is unaffected by the turmoil. While we are struggling through the changes and adjustments needed to fight this virus, we may have difficulty seeing an end. We may be longing to go back to a time before the...