By Melanie Thiel, Executive Director, and Vincent Iannelli, President
Washington Business Improvement District

As 2020 winds down, we would like to take this opportunity first to thank everyone for their support of the Washington Business Improvement District and, more importantly, the businesses themselves, during what has been a challenging year for all of us, in business and otherwise.

The WBID has worked hard to work with our businesses to try and make the best of a rough situation and, while we believe we have done a good job, we realize that in some cases all of our goals were hard to reach.  However, our board had to—and continues to—work together tirelessly to come up with creative ideas to benefit all the businesses in the Borough.

Early in the pandemic, we launched the “We Are Open For Business” campaign, which included banners around town, ads in The Messenger, commercials on WRNJ and WXPN Radio and a direct mail postcard to everyone in the Greater Washington area. A second mailer will be sent once restrictions are lifted.

Two of our businesses received national attention. Guy’s Service Station was the backdrop for a national insurance company TV commercial and CNBC featured a story on Frantoni Fashion for Men (and Downtown Washington), which is scheduled to air soon.  

In the midst of the pandemic, there was definitely some other good news in the Borough. In many respects, we fared much better than many other business communities. 

Several new businesses have actually opened up during (or just before) the pandemic:

• 214 Farm to Market Restaurant
• New Jersey School of Woodwork
• Park Avenue Consignment (adding online sales to complement in person customers)
• The Toy Brick Brigade
• Belle Ame Rocks
• El Pacheking Mexican Grocery
• David Santini, CPA 

A few businesses also expanded their operations in recent months;

• Headliners Salon added Illuminate You 
• Lina’s Chop Shop expanded to a larger location in the Borough
• Your CBD Store expanded to a larger location in the Borough
• Gibson’s Gym built a huge permanent outdoor workout pavilion
• Williams Irish Tavern added an outdoor dining area in the back

In other news:

• TNT Laundry Center reopened after their fire
• Clara’s Stained Glass Studio has expanded its presence
• Good Impressions has new owners
• The Meat Shoppe/Arctic Foods completely remodeled their building

Most exciting, ground has been broken for the new CVS at the route 31 and 57 intersection and Taco Bell, across from PNC Bank on West Washington Avenue. Both are expected to open in early 2021.

In addition, Buttzville Brewing Company, which will be in the center of the Downtown, is also expected to open in early 2021.

Sadly, a few businesses did close their doors: Virtual-42, Celestine’s Catering Company, Mr. Music and Aly to Ash.

On the grant front, the WBID this year has given out façade and sign grants to eight businesses.

The WBID, meanwhile, received grants from the USDA to purchase new trash receptacles for the downtown business district; a Warren County Cultural and Heritage Division of Land Preservation grant to support the Arts, Crafts & Music Festival and Music in the Pocket Park during the Farmers’ Market throughout the season; and a Homeland Security grant to cover the cost of police and crossing guards at Borough events.

Our social media presence has grown exponentially with thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram. Our Facebook network of “friends” frequently “shares” posts to their friends and family and to other Facebook sites, which elevates our presence in the community even more. It is not uncommon for many of our posts to reach thousands of people. WBID events and announcements also receive a great deal of attention from several media outlets.

Our Farmers’ Market celebrated its most successful year with more vendors and shoppers than any other year.

Our traditions continued, as well. We collected items for the troops through Operation Jersey Cares. The Arts Fest/GreenFest, Hometown Halloween and Hometown Holiday all took place on a smaller scale.

This year has not been an easy year for anyone, but especially for those who own and operate a small/micro business. Challenges occurred around every corner, but by getting creative and thinking outside the box, we will continue to move forward. Our business owners are very supportive of each other and with everyone’s help and perseverance, 2021 will be a great year.