A NOTE FROM FIG
Together, we move forward 2020 — A YE AR FOR THE HISTORY BOOK S . As I write this letter from my home office, the world looks very different than it did when our last issue was released in early March. Our town is slowly emerging from quarantine and we find ourselves amidst an ongoing health crisis, an uncertain economic climate, and an impassioned urgency to listen, learn, and take action toward anti-racism. Each of these events have acutely reminded us of how precious life is. How precious our neighbors are. And how critical it is to use this time of crisis, as a force for good.
Amongst the turmoil, there is also a great sense of hope. We have witnessed so many stories of unity, generosity, and collaboration here in our community. Neighbors sprang into action in creative ways bringing relief to individuals and businesses. Peaceful protests allowed long-silenced voices to be heard. We all began to pivot, learn, and grow as a community. And in just three months, our town began operating in new ways—to reach customers, gather congregations, and host events. Call it forced innovation if you will, but it’s inspiring, and it’s working. In this issue, you’ll read how, in the face of constant uncertainty, our local small businesses are moving forward one day at a time. Not only that, but they are being supportive and generous to their fellow business owners and neighbors. I only wish we could share every single story because each one deserves to be told. This issue is dedicated to the resiliency and ingenuity of our local small business owners and non-profits. At Fig, we are a small business ourselves. So we know first hand what it’s like to face these new challenges, make tough decisions, and keep going. It is in this spirit that we made a big decision. Some of you may know that we have a sister publication called Fig West Chester. Our neighbors! The footprint of our distribution is directly adjacent to theirs. So for this special edition of Fig, we decided to combine the two books into one so that every business featured inside gets double the readers they
normally get. We hope you enjoy seeing some of our business friends from West Chester mixed in with our friends from Kennett Square. At a time when all of us are thinking of ways to use our resources for the greater good, this was our way of pitching in. And speaking of pitching in, it is with humble hearts that we say thank you to our essential and frontline workers for their heroic contributions to the community. Words cannot express how much we value their work ethic, their bravery, and their sacrifice. We are in awe. And finally, we must mention the graduating class of 2020. They are being launched into life in an unexpected, but exciting way. We can only imagine that this experience will stay with them as they lead us through future challenges that our society will surely face. And that this will make them stronger and more appreciative for all that they achieve. You will find a celebration of our Kennett High School seniors on page 20. Thank you, Fig readers, for loving all things local. We know you’ll continue to be generous with your support of the small businesses and neighbors that need us. FROM SIX FEET AWAY, BRIANNA CARLISLE, BECKY GALANTE & THE FIG INDUSTRIES TEAM