Reflections of 2020

The past few months have been some of the most challenging times we have ever faced. No one could predict the impact a pandemic would have upon our organization, our city, our state and the entire world. The need to reinvent our everyday life was pushed to the very limits.  All businesses and organizations were hit hard. But our smaller operations absolutely struggled to keep their heads above the water and simply survive. 

While our mission as an Orlando Main Street operation has not changed, we have become even more relevant in support of our 500 businesses helping them to navigate and understand vital information from our city and county officials. We have provided a channel to push out information that in some cases help our businesses reimagine their core operations and find PPP funding and PPE to stay afloat. 

These are not normal times. And we do know the future holds more opportunities to change direction and help companies find new ways to turn a profit. Brick & mortar has all but disappeared. Masks are the new haute couture and shopping online is the new past time. While some of our restaurants have pivoted to carry out, curbside delivery and apps like Door Dash, others have closed their doors forever. I am not sad to say goodbye to 2020. 

In spite of these dire obstacles, Gateway has continued to grow and thrive. From October of 2019 to October 2020, we added 14 New Members. November through December 2020 we added an additional 7.  We are moving in the right direction. 2021 promises to be a record year, on many different fronts.

Here are a few of the initiatives we have in place:

Reinstating the Gateway Guardian Program with Arnaldo Leon as Chair. 

Gateway’s Women Who Lead, led by Bernadette Cipriani-Major and Co-Chair Alice Burgos, will present monthly workshops for our women’s empowerment series. 

Gateway’s Restaurant Academy – The brainchild of our new Director Lourdes Mola. We will present programs in concert with our larger corridor restaurants to help smaller operations not only survive but flourish, helping our area to become a place for dining, diversity and culture attracting tourists, residents and 436 travelers to experience the uniqueness of the Corridor.

How to Work with Government - A Series presented to the Community by Commissioner Tony Ortiz

Art – We will be adding our very first mural, with more transformational art and beautification projects planned. We will continue to enhance the Semoran Corridor and create spaces for our community to gather and enjoy. Spearheaded by Susan Wilcox

Conversations on the Corridor and Coffee on the Corridor will continue. 

Interns to help with Social Media marketing are on the forefront. 

Grant writing and new member acquisition are part of our plan.

Image and increased branding opportunities are being sought out to enhance our standing and create awareness of who we are and what we do. 

In closing, I will ask that you consider carving out a few hours a month to help us achieve our goals. Watch the newsletter for specific projects that touch your heart. Be part of the transformation taking place in our very own community. If you happen to be a database person, a marketing guru or a plain old “people person “. I am calling on you to share your gifts. 

My wish for the New Year, is that you are blessed with happiness, joy and light and that this year will be safe and healthy for us all. 

With Love From,

Susan Wilcox

Board President

Gateway Orlando

chair@gatewayorlando.org