To support the
businesses in Belle View Shopping Center affected by the devastating fire of
October 2019, Mount Vernon Lee Chamber presented a check for $4,000 to Kevin
Green, owner of The Virginia Florist and president of the Belle View Merchants
Association.
“We all know that life and business guarantee set-backs,” said Stanley Koussis, chairman of the Chamber. “Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce came together with the Belle Haven community to establish a fund to help the come-back of the fire damaged Belle Haven Shopping Center.”
This money was
raised from the community through generous donations to a Fundly campaign.
Steve Larsen, New Alexandria Citizens Association, was instrumental in
establishing and supporting the fire relief fund.
Working with
Julie Stoltz, Cherry Tree Digital, the Belle View Merchants Association has
developed a website for the restaurants and stores in the shopping center
at https://belleviewshops.wordpress.com/.
There are also new Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts that are linked to
the website.
Interviews from
many Belle View merchants are posted on the website and social media accounts
to spotlight their products and services. This expands the online presence of
all Belle View businesses.
“We’ve been posting throughout Covid,” said Stoltz “And I’ve been working with the stores to advise them on how to work on their digital footprint.”
This marketing
effort will reassure existing customers that their favorite stores and
restaurants are still open while enticing potential customers to come and see,
come, and experience what is available in Belle View. This shopping center is
home to many unique, locally owned small businesses.
Repairs to the
shopping center continue while many businesses are open and ready to serve the
community. Please continue to support these merchants, your neighbors, and
friends, who serve you and try to make your day better in every way.
Photo:
Stanley Koussis, Chamber Chairman, Kevin Green, Belle View Merchant's
Association, and Alison Ross Tompkins, Chamber Vice President at the Belle View
Shopping Center. More than $6,000 has been donated to support the businesses
damaged by the October 2019 fire.
