The use of masks has become a hot button issue for many individuals. Some believe everyone should wear a mask all the time.  Others believe it is a liberty issue and each person should be able to make their own decision regarding wearing a mask. I don’t intend to get into the political issues of mask-wearing. Rather, I want to provide a perspective for businesses. 

The Mayo Clinic has provided the guidance that masks are helpful in reducing the spread of COVID 19. Many state and local governments have issued regulations regarding the use of masks in business. However, for the purpose of this article, I would like to look at mask-wearing from a business owner’s perspective as well as from the perspective of a customer. 

Over the past several months civil unrest has caused substantial damage to private property, particularly business establishments. People ask me how far a business owner should go to protect their property. My perspective is not a simple answer. Above all, we need to seek the Lord’s guidance concerning the steps we should take.

None of us likes losing customers. Over the years, I have had customers take their business to competitors for one reason or another. 

I have always treated departing customers with the utmost kindness and respect.  I strive to make the transition as easy as possible for the customer. I’ve done this for four specific reasons.

Many years ago I went car shopping with my dad. After meeting with the salesperson and kicking the tires on a potential new car, we left the dealership. The first thing my dad said as we left was that salesperson never took down his phone number. He wouldn’t be able to call my dad to find out if he wanted the car. Of course, we purchased a car at a different dealership.

I am part of Business Network International, the largest business networking group in the United States. Currently I am serving as the Growth Coordinator for our chapter. When a visitor walks into a meeting, I don’t just shake hands; I walk them to the meeting hoping they will come back and join.

Many individuals are under substantial hardship as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Federal, state and local governments are looking for ways to provide relief. One interesting example is the city of Tenino taking the step of issuing their own town currency, up to $300 per individual, for those demonstrating negative impact from the pandemic.

Throughout the history of our nation, local governments have taken the step of issuing currency, in one fashion or another, in an effort to work through difficult economic times.