Utah Consumers can Adapt, Innovate and Overcome to Sustain our Economy

March 25, 2020 Written by Dee Brewer

The health of our families and community comes first. We must cooperate and distance ourselves to flatten the curve of the health pandemic. And together, we can also help flatten the dip in the economy.

Job #1

The most important thing each of us can do for the economy is to follow health advisories for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Preserving our collective health will help us resume the work, payrolls and economic activity of the strongest state economy in the nation.

Shop local!

  • Investigate the local companies providing the products and services you need. You can shop local online too. Some businesses are open by appointment so you can shop and keep a safe social distance. Don’t export our spending and local tax base.
  • Local First Utah has outlined 10 Reasons to buy Local.
  • Shop the virtual Downtown Farmers Market to source local produce, food and other products online and at direct sources.
  • Share a local business’s social media post.
  • Try a new local baker, coffee roaster, ice cream maker, brewer, florist, maker, or other business.
  • Send a note to your favorite small businesses to let them know you will be back. Small businesses are in crisis. Let’s give them hope for recovery.
  • Thank your checker, bagger, server and delivery driver!

Support your neighborhood restaurants and servers

  • Take the Triple Take-out Challenge. Ordering take-out three times a week will help sustain the restaurants in your community through the pandemic. Tip generously!
  • Use supportutahdining.com to find restaurants that offer delivery and carryout.
  • Post about your favorite take-out options and tag the restaurant.
  • Make a donation to Tip Your Server to provide relief to food and beverage workers in Salt Lake City.
  • Tip a service industry employee here when you have a beverage at home.

Support Utah artists

  • Shop and buy gifts from a local artisan or maker.
  • If you have purchased tickets to a now-canceled event, consider donating the price of your tickets to that non-profit rather than accept a refund.
  • Ask the arts and culture programs that you patronize how you can help. Many organizations rely on volunteers, and may have functions that can be done remotely. You can promote their mission and content via your own networks and social media.