CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A new Clarksville community site launched late last week aimed at supporting local businesses who may be facing hardship during the coronavirus closures. ClarksvilleStrong.com allows the community to go online and support local businesses, friends and neighbors in multiple ways.
The site began Thursday, March 19 initially allowing local restaurants facing closure a platform to promote their delivery and carry-out options. Restaurants, cafes, and local eateries jumped on the chance to submit their information, for free, to the site.
Now other businesses are getting on board too.
In less than a week, the site has grown to also serve as a central hub where the community can purchase gift cards from local businesses and receive information regarding potential changes to their favorite stores. Professional services, financial institutions, etc. have used the site to post changes to their store hours, new restrictions regarding in-person transactions, and opportunities to shop online vs in-store.
“We’re trying to be as fluid as possible, to match the needs of the community,” said Jessica Goldberg, digital director at 5 Star Media Group, and co-creator of the site. “Yesterday we added an opportunity for hospitality workers to submit their information, including their Venmo usernames. Our plan is to use the power of our eight radio stations and tell the stories of our friends and neighbors who may be facing temporary unemployment. This way we can encourage listeners to ‘tip their favorite server’ from the safety of their own home.”
The website was created by 5 Star Media Group as a way to give back to the community during these uncertain times. Traditionally, the local media company hosts collection drives in support of the community. Annual food drives with Manna Cafe, school supply collections with the CMCSS Teachers Warehouse, and a toy drive at Christmas are yearly traditions with the radio group. However, in times of crisis, the company has also reacted quickly to collect supplies for natural disasters as well.
“Serving the community is just what we do,” said Katie Gambill, general manager of 5 Star Media. “If we can find a way to help, we’ll do everything in our power to try and make that happen.” Gambill went on to say the new site was intended to be a completely free service for local businesses.
The website’s potential has been seen by other communities too, as organizations as far as Portland, Maine began inquiring about creating their own site.
“The goal was to help,” said Chance Crotzer, co-creator of ClarksvilleStrong.com. “It’s great to know we’re able to help not just Clarksville, but other communities as well.” To date, Crotzer has designed three other similar sites for cities across the country.
The list of community information can be found on ClarksvilleStrong.com. There, users can submit a business listing, register as a hospitality industry employee (may be subject to verification by the employer), and local residents can find out how to purchase gift cards from their favorite stores. As the site explains, “purchase a gift card today so they can keep their doors open tomorrow”.
To learn more about 5 Star Media Group, visit their website or call 931-648-7720.