Resilience and Reinvention: How Our Community Thrived Beyond the Pandemic
Discover how our community embraced change, innovating to stay connected and support each other through the challenges of the pandemic. From virtual fundraisers and online auctions to creating the Greater Hoosic Valley Community Business Alliance, learn how we turned obstacles into opportunities for growth, connection, and success. A special Blog post by Lynne Hardy - founder of both Community Life Support and the Greater Hoosic Valley Community Business Alliance.
Lynne Hardy
10/29/20242 min read
Community Life Post-Pandemic: Innovation, Connection, and Growth
The pandemic didn’t just impact individuals—it challenged the very fabric of community life. With events canceled and in-person interactions limited, the flow of our communities was disrupted. But in these difficult times, we learned new ways of staying connected and supporting each other. Small businesses adapted, finding creative ways to keep their doors open through mail orders and porch pickups. While we had to be physically distant, the spirit of ingenuity brought us closer, ensuring that our communities could thrive, not just survive.
Now, three years beyond those days of isolation, the lessons we learned continue to shape us:
1. Finding New Ways to Fundraise
Fundraising is crucial, but 2020 and 2021 made traditional events impossible. In search of a solution, we launched an online auction for Christmas 2020 on our Facebook page, using Givebutter for payments. With about 90 items up for bid over seven days, we raised over $3,000! The auction was such a success that we held it three more times, each with improvements that helped both small businesses in need of marketing and our community to stay engaged. This experience reminded us of the power of innovation, even during challenging times.
2. Connecting Virtually
The rise of virtual meetings brought new efficiencies and opportunities. Zoom became a valuable tool, allowing us to stay connected, streamline our work, and reduce the time and hassle of traveling. We learned to run focused meetings, follow agendas, and make the most of technology to keep our goals moving forward.
3. Building New Relationships
As we returned to a more familiar rhythm, we recognized the importance of collaboration in strengthening our community. From these new connections, an idea emerged: to support small businesses and artisans who needed a network. By 2022, we set out to create what would become the Greater Hoosic Valley Community Business Alliance—a collective to uplift local small businesses and foster a supportive environment in our ever-evolving world.
Welcome to the Greater Hoosic Valley Community Business Alliance
We’re here to understand your needs, help you find solutions, and provide a network of support. Together, we can grow stronger and build a community where everyone succeeds.
If you have been thinking of signing up for our newsletter or joining with your small business, now is a great to do it. Don't wait, connect today!