M-8 - Attachment - Pay it Forward Fund

Dear Doug, Since March, our team has often received the following message from a member: “I would like to inform you that we can no longer keep our membership. We've had to make numerous cuts due to COVID and we cannot justify it as an expense.” Over 100 Johnson County businesses had to end their membership with the Iowa City Area Business Partnership this year due to the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and we anticipate continuing to receive similar messages going into 2021. At the same time, we have heard from so many businesses and individuals that the resources provided by the Business Partnership, from our webinars to the weekly communications, have helped them find what they need to hang on through these tough times. We are asking for your help in keeping your fellow members connected to the support they need from the collective business community by contributing to our Pay It Forward Fund. This fund will sponsor 2021 memberships for those who have or will have to cancel their membership because of COVID-related financial difficulties. Your contribution to this fund will let these businesses know that they have a community of peers to lean on, and at the same time will support the Business Partnership’s work to continue advocating on behalf of all our local businesses. We thank those of you who have already generously contributed. All sponsoring businesses will be recognized across our social media, our website, and during the Annual Meeting in February. There are three tiers of support, but you can contribute any amount. Contributions to the fund can be made here. If you are a business who could use the support from your fellow members in this difficult time, the quick and easy application for the fund is available here. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 15, 2021. Know that you are not alone and we are here to assist in any way we can. This is what being part of a partnership is all about – helping each other in times of need. As we have come upon the end of this dramatic year, we hope that the holidays bring some peace and reflection. And we certainly hope that 2021 brings renewed prosperity for all. In Partnership,