Sharing Heartfelt Messages from Mission Hills
By Dixie Hall, Mission Hills BID President and DixiePops Owner
It’s that time of the year when thoughts turn to love and the days start getting longer. So, while it is easy to be pessimistic and lament that we are still dealing with COVID two years later, I prefer to be optimistic and focus on the fact that most of us have figured out a way to live with it and move on. And so, people show up for work. Customers show up to eat, to drink, to shop. People show up for life – compromised, though it may be.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses in the United States employ half of the private workforce, create two-thirds of net new jobs, and generate 40 percent of America’s economic productivity. Mission Hills fits the description perfectly.
I live and work in our unique Mission Hills neighborhood and know our nearly 450 businesses have pivoted, bounced backwards and forward, and become more entrepreneurial than they may have ever imagined. They are testimony to the idea that adversity can make you stronger. But survival thus far is no guarantee they can stay in business. They still need your support whenever possible.
Mission Hills is fortunate to have storefront businesses that continue to persevere and offer great options for special occasions when we want something more unique than what can be found elsewhere. And, speaking of special occasions, a February article without mention of Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be right.
Please join me in shopping local and thanking our Mission Hills’ small business owners and staff who have endured two years of challenges. It is a great time to tell the ones we love, including small business owners, how much they mean to us with a little something from the neighborhood. At the same time, please know these businesses truly appreciate the support of the residents of Mission Hills.
How about a celebratory Valentine’s lunch or dinner at a Mission Hills restaurant? Advance reservations ought to be made as soon as possible and placing take-out meal orders well in advance is advised. Flowers, chocolates, beauty and relaxation, grown-up beverages or maybe a gift certificate from one of our many businesses are perfect ways to complete a Valentine’s celebration. And remember our four-legged family members with an extra special Valentine’s treat.
While Valentine’s Day is a favorite February holiday, take note of the month’s other days of celebration – which, while they might not involve a gift, can be celebrated with friends and family get-togethers. For example, the entire month of February is Black History Month, and the combined birthdays of Washington and Lincoln are President’s Day on February 21.
February 2nd is Groundhog Day, with February 4th, National Wear Red Day. If you know about National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on February 5 you probably guessed, it is one of my favorite holidays – perfect excuse to try Cereal Milk ice cream.
The Mission Hills BID board’s Strategic Planning Workshop is now planned for Saturday, February 19. This workshop is an annual retreat where the Board of Directors huddle and discuss plans for the coming year. Outcomes are then action items at our board of directors’ meeting.
To the BID board of directors, Vice President J. Daniel Geddis, Team D&B at One Mission Realty; Secretary Jesse Zmuda, Backbone Floral and Vintage; Treasurer Jamaal K. Jackson, US Bank; Audrey Patterson, Patterson Engineering, Inc.; Sarah Church Mattia, Pizza e Birra; and Rocky Rockhill, Coldwell Banker West-Mission Hills; my personal thank you for your continuing commitment of time and talent. Together, as small business owners, we will help make 2022 a much better year.
If you love our Mission Hills neighborhood of businesses and have ideas and time to help promote it, the Mission Hills BID needs you. Don’t be shy – you might also meet some new friends – I know I have. For the most up-to-date information and news on what’s happening in Mission Hills follow us on Instagram @missionhillssd, visit our website at MissionHillsBID.com, and email us at MissionHillsBID@gmail.com.
Category: Business, Events, Finance, Local News
