COMMERCE IN THE TIME OF CORONAVIRUS -- Part 11

Main Streets, Business Improvement Districts and Downtowns Lead the Way

Georgia Petropoulos is the Executive Director of the Oakland Business Improvement District, which describes itself as Pittsburgh’s most ethnically diverse and lively neighborhood.

It is home to: prestigious universities and museums, world-class hospitals, grand architecture, quaint coffee shops, international cuisine and specialty shops.

“Like many cities across the country, our business district has been greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and our business owners have put out a herculean effort for survival,” she said. “Restaurants shifted service hours and redesigned menus to focus on takeout and delivery. 

Business owners have been creative with new promotions as well such as Salud Juicery Oakland's "Cup of Goodness" program where the public can purchase smoothies for hospital doctors and nurses.”

“Our business owners are the life of our community and they need our help,” Petropoulos continued.