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Each week when I sit to write this column, I think and reflect on everything that’s happened in the past week.
Where did I go, what did I do, who did I see?
These questions pop in my mind. So, you can imagine how challenging the last few months have been, without many activities or events to relate.
When I have a night like I did on Tuesday, though, it makes writing this column easy, fun and enjoyable.
As you may have read in the paper, Tuesday night was our Best of Back Mountain Awards, held at The Beaumont Inn in Dallas – truly a superior restaurant and space that’s exquisite for any occasion.
When we got there, we were immediately impressed by the landscaping and design. It was manicured beautifully and grander than I recalled from past visits.
To say I was impressed is an understatement. My mind immediately began listing all of the friends planning weddings that I could contact. This is an idyllic spot, and especially after the pandemic will be picturesque for a special event.
With the Best of Back Mountain, business owners and employees came at staggered times so as to observe social-distancing guidelines.
All were thrilled, excited and overjoyed to pick up their well-deserved awards, because readers voted for them specifically.
And even though we’re battling this pandemic, people still showed up. They still came to accept their plaques, to pose for photos and show their gratitude. Everything was spaced appropriately and the amount of people at any given time was very small.
This was an event planned in a way that made people feel safe. They didn’t have to worry about overcrowding. Mask-wearing was enforced, and smiles were on display.
There isn’t much more you could ask for at a time like this.
For me, seeing the recipients come reminded me that our economy is still going and businesses are still operating, for the most part.
Even though it wasn’t a grand, crowded event as we’ve had in the past, it was still impactful and important.
Following the event, I spoke to a business owner who couldn’t make it, but was happy to be recognized.
In this time in our lives, we have to be happy for these recognitions and accolades.
As I talk with other business owners regularly, they express the same thing to me: scared about how business will perform the next few months, but happy they’re able to still be open.
My hope is that businesses will start to thrive again, and that our next “Best Of” event will be more crowded than ever before.
If nothing else, seeing people together brings a smile.
And the awards help do that, too.
Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group’s major accounts executive. Reach him at [email protected] or 570-704-3945.