UNITY – At one point or another, Unity residents have expressed their gratitude by using either the words “fortunate” or “lucky” when talking about some of the locally owned and operated services our community has to offer. But do we know just how lucky we are?
The community is home to a wide variety of services and businesses that would make any small town envious. Where most rural communities can support only one grocery store, Unity has the option of choosing between two. This also applies to banking options, real estate agencies, hotel/motel rooms, campgrounds and pharmacies.
Not all communities have multiple restaurants that appeal to a variety of palates. A scratch bakery and coffee shop are major hits for the town’s visitors. All animals, big and small, are well tended to by knowledgeable business owners and their staff.
Shopping locally has been a frequent message smaller towns have voiced for many years and Unity is no different. For these independently-owned businesses to continue providing one-of-a-kind goods and services, residents must support them by purchasing from them.
Some business owners have had to re-vamp some services, add new ones and eliminate others, allowing them to find the niche market that needs catering to. With the help of social media, some businesses have done surveys, trying to find ways to keep the doors open.
However, there are times when a locally owned business must close those doors. Residents usually don’t realize the loss until they need that one item, which would have been found at the business that closed. Each door that closes limits how much we can get locally.
Even though most residents are thankful for what there is, there are those who say, “I wish we had a clothing store like we used to” or “We could use another store like the one we used to have.” Unfortunately, those businesses the town used to have closed because there was a lack of support or no interest in taking over the business. Now they are gone, shoppers wish they could go back and have them again.
Even the town employees make it possible to be thankful for the amenities Unity offers. The Community Centre is a central hub of activity throughout the winter months. The streets get cleared as quickly as possible and water main breaks are tended to promptly. Even though residents are quick to complain, they are fortunate there is staff to do the dirty work.
With the COVID-19 outbreak, many business owners jumped into action, finding ways to help local shoppers and keep the doors open. The grocery stores offered free home delivery and restaurants started doing more takeout orders. Even the ethanol plant switched gears to help with the hand sanitizer shortage. The community came together to support each other during such a strenuous time.
Although many still travel out of town to fulfil their shopping needs, residents need to take note of what used to be offered in Unity and what will be lost if the local economy is no longer here. Unity has the opportunity to thrive if we want it to.
