In normal times, businesses in the Methow Valley look forward to Winter’s respite. Life moves a little slower with the decrease of tourists and arrival of holiday breaks. The act of turning the calendar to a New Year offers nostalgic reflection of another successful 12 months operating a small business. (And, of course, work hours can be a bit more flexible when there’s all that powder to play in.)

In normal times, businesses in the Methow Valley look forward to Winter’s respite. Life moves a little slower with the decrease of tourists and arrival of holiday breaks. The act of turning the calendar to a New Year offers nostalgic reflection of another 12 months owning and operating a small business. Some work hours can even be a bit more flexible when there’s all that powder to play in.

Amidst a global pandemic, however, “normal times” are rather elusive: with the arrival of snow and freezing temperatures, Winter brings a visceral unease to the local shops, artists and organizations unsure about their economic futures.

Their worries do not surround a lack of tourism. In fact, this winter may produce record numbers for Methow Valley recreation, since those who fled our way in summer to take advantage of open-air bike rides, hiking and water sports will most likely return to breathe in the safety of distanced outdoor skiing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing.

Here’s the rub: what percentage of these incoming visitors will step inside the doors of a local business? What retail and services merit taking a risk to each other’s health, even though that lack of risk could result in a risk to the business’ health? Who will bravely sacrifice the safety of Amazon’s online shopping and ease of delivery for in-person purchases that require lacing up one’s boots, navigating frozen roads and strapping on one’s mask before drying out one’s hands with multiple shots of sanitizer?

In normal times, the Methow Valley community is generous. In these times, however… the Methow Valley commonwealth is absolutely, altogether altruistic.

Case in point: in October, Give Methow set an all-time record by raising over half a million dollars to our local non-profits. Since May, donors also raised over $115,000 in $1500 grants offered to struggling Methow Valley businesses. Since July, even more donors raised $30,000 in $1000 grants offered to Methow Valley artists.

That’s why we here at the Twisp Chamber of Commerce are writing this article, to tell y’all to keep it up! While thousands of small businesses have permanently closed in the US due to the economic effects of COVID-19, the benevolence of supporters like you keeps Methow Valley doors open (and hearts full) one dollar at a time.

Amidst a global pandemic, however, “normal times” are rather elusive: with the arrival of snow and freezing temperatures, Winter brings a visceral unease to the local shops, artists and organizations unsure about their economic futures.

Their worries do not surround a lack of tourism. In fact, this winter may produce record numbers for Methow Valley recreation, since those who fled our way in summer to take advantage of open-air bike rides, hiking and water sports will most likely return to breathe in the safety of distanced outdoor skiing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing.

Here’s the rub: what percentage of these incoming visitors will feel comfortable stepping inside the doors of a (literally) small business? Other than hotels and restaurants, what other retail and services merit taking a risk to one’s health, even though their lack of risk could result in a risk to the business’ health? To be fair, this burden is also placed on Methow Valley locals: who will bravely sacrifice the safety of online shopping and ease of delivery for in-person purchases that require lacing up one’s boots, navigating frozen roads and drying out one’s hands with multiple shots of sanitizer?

In normal times, the Methow Valley community is generous. In these times, however… the Methow Valley commonwealth is absolutely, altogether altruistic.

Case in point: in October, Give Methow set an all-time record by raising over half a million dollars to our local non-profits. Since May, donors also raised over $115,000 in $1500 grants offered to Methow Valley businesses. Since July, even more donors raised $30,000 in $1000 grants offered to Methow Valley artists.

That’s why we here at the Twisp Chamber of Commerce are writing this article, to tell y’all to keep it up! Over 165,000 businesses have permanently closed in the US since March due to the economic effects of COVID-19, but the benevolence of readers like you keeps Methow Valley doors open (and hearts full) one dollar at a time.

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Here’s a few ways you can support artists, businesses and organizations this winter:

1. Set a monthly “Twisp Business Budget.” Committing to just one local meal a week or $50 in services a month goes a long way.
2. Contribute your time. “Like” a Facebook page (like @TwispWA! J), sign up for an e-Newsletter, write a 5-star review on TripAdvisor or Google Maps. The more you stay connected with your local artists, businesses and organizations, the more you’ll know how to support them directly.
3. Stay connected. Take a weekly walk or drive down a different part of Twisp to remember who’s still working to keep their lights on. Swing inside to warm up, and to warm the hearts of business owners and staff with a few words of encouragement.

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Are you an artist or business/organization that would like to stay connected to the Methow Valley business community, while also receiving marketing and economic support? Consider joining the Twisp Chamber of Commerce! Visit TwispWA.com/Chamber to learn more.