Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 33 Seeing Strength in Fredericksburg's Response to the Pandemic INTERVIEWED BY EMILY FREEHLING CASH MOBS, FROM A DISTANCE When it became clear that spring shut- downs were hitting restaurants particular- ly hard, we saw a way to help through our Cash Mobs. A Cash Mob is an organized group of bank employees who visit a busi- ness on a set day and time, and spend an allotted amount of funds, donated by the Bank, at the chosen business. We ran a Digital Cash Mob in early April that encouraged people to place takeout orders at their favorite local restaurants by contributing $5 toward each order at any of eight participating restaurants in the Fredericksburg area. Later in the spring, we were excited to be able to return to in-person Cash Mobs—with social distancing—and ran several throughout the year, including a Small Business Saturday Cash Mob on Nov. 28 that supported four different Downtown Fredericksburg businesses. Banking where and when you need it It was hard to have to shut down our lobbies during Virginia's stay-home order in spring 2020, but in June, we welcomed customers back into our Downtown Fredericksburg branch, with heightened health and safety protocols. Many people discovered our robust online banking options as they sought ways to limit contact during the pandem- ic. We are proud to offer the sophisti- cated mobile banking options of a larger bank, with the personal service of a small local business. Despite the distancing that 2020 required of us all, 2020 was a year of coming together in Fredericksburg. We have been inspired by all of the ways individuals and businesses in this com- munity rallied to support each other dur- ing the pandemic. We know great things are to come as we recover, because we are all #FXBGStrong. Community Bank of the Chesapeake But despite all of this physical distancing, the Fredericksburg community's ties became stronger than ever, as volunteers distributed meals, beautified downtown streets and performed count- less other acts of kindness. At Community Bank of the Chesapeake, we are proud to be a part of a community with this kind of can-do spirit and willingness to help out. APART, BUT NOT ALONE It was a joy to participate in Fredericksburg VA Main Street's efforts to lift spirits. From decorat- ing downtown windows at the onset of the pandemic shutdowns in March, to participating in the "to-go" version of Main Street's annual Downtown Affair dinner, to decorating scarecrows for Halloween and posting riddles for Holidays in the Burg, Downtown Fredericksburg kept us smiling in 2020. HEART OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans were a lifeline that kept many small businesses alive—but the loan process was complicated and difficult to navigate. Community Bank of the Chesapeake was thankful to be able to play a role in helping small businesses access these loans quickly, get- ting the cash they needed to keep their doors open. "Community Bank of the Chesapeake stepped up for our business and community by expedi- tiously completing our PPP loan application and assisting us in immediate funding that, in part, saved our business," said April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitters located at 215 William St. "While larger banks were struggling to execute the PPP guidance, the Community Bank team was ready and capable to support small businesses in saving their dream." In 2020, we socially distanced, we kept 6 feet apart, we smiled behind masks as we greeted neighbors downtown. Community Perks Checking Accounts Easy to use banking tools and other money saving bene ts. Online and Mobile Banking Bill Pay E-Statements Buyer's Protection and Extended Warranty Local discounts right on your phone, right where you are Online and Mobile Cell Phone Protection Personal Identity Theft Payment Card Fraud Resolution Some of the bene ts that come with Community Perks are: 5409402202 • 925 William Street Learn more at cbtc.com 1 Cell phone protection, personal identity protection, and buyer's protection and extended warranty are subject to additional terms and conditions. 2 Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK. Identity monitoring and credit monitoring require additional enrollment on BaZing.com. 3 Participating merchants on BaZing are not sponsors of the program, are subject to change without notice, may not be available in all regions and may choose to limit deals. Community Perks Checking Accounts Easy to use banking tools and other money saving bene ts. Buyer's Protection Street Cell phone protection, personal identity protection, and buyer's protection and extended warranty are subject to AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK. Identity monitoring and credit monitoring require additional enrollment Participating merchants on BaZing are not sponsors of the program, are subject to change without notice, may not Grocery shopping Oil changes Dinner tonight Prescriptions Sponsored Material

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