Support Business Community COVID-19 Contributions

This post the latest in Rural Resurrection’s ongoing series regarding COVID-19. Rural Resurrection will be posting regularly about the virus’ impact on rural governments and what local leaders can do. Follow us to stay informed of recent posts as we all work our way through this as “we are all in this together”.

Along with the massive amount of heartbreaking COVID-19 news, there are also some heartwarming stories of interest. One of those uplifting stories is that of Patriarch Distillers / Soldier Valley Spirits in La Vista, Nebraska.

There are a number of private businesses looking to help out in this time of crisis. Patriarch Distillers is just one of those businesses, but they are a shining example of what can happen when businesses can come together to help others in tough times.

Adjusting to Needs of a Community

Although Patriarch Distillers was still seeing demand for the variety of great tasting spirits that they create, they felt an overwhelming desire to help others during this crisis. With the intense public demand (and related hoarding) for hand sanitizer, many of the entities and institutions that needed the sanitizer the most were hurting. Many of these institutions had dwindling supplies or none at all.

Of course, one of the essential ingredients in hand sanitizer is alcohol, something that Patriarch Distillers was very adept at making. With a few changes in their processes, some additional ingredients, and obviously some different bottling, they were quickly up and running making hand sanitizer to help out those in need.

A Business Community Effort

A great news story right? Sure, but there are numerous other stories about businesses making the right move for their community. Stories of various businesses making PPE or hand sanitizer in this time of need. What makes the Patriarch Distillers stand out? Check out this video by Dave Young, thanking all those who have helped them help others:

Count it. That’s 22 entities that he thanked for supporting their efforts to get sanitizer to the entities in need. Some donated items to the process, including Hiland Dairy and Brenmar Company who donated jugs to fill. Nebraska Brewing Company provided some of the ingredients. Others like the cities and the local chambers of commerce provided connections to others that may be willing to help. National trucking company Werner Enterprises also helped out. They transported in the products needed to make the sanitizer and helped deliver the final product to those organizations in need.

In April and May of this year Jeff Hadden, Richard Hagedorn, Dave Young, and the others at Patriarch Distillers/Soldier Valley Spirits started making a difference, not just locally, but regionally. They distributed their sanitizer to organizations in need for what was, at that time, a limited resource. Police departments, fire departments, senior living facilities, clinics, homeless shelters and numerous other essential entities received the hand sanitizer they need to continue to do their job safely. A total of 13,900 people were assisted through the 675 gallons distributed to 84 entities.

During that same time span, they also provided sanitizer to 120 private businesses, including Tyson, NAPA, Waldinger, Greater Omaha Packing, and a few trucking and construction businesses. Through these efforts they assisted 9,790 staff members of these businesses through the provision of 430 gallons of hand sanitizer.

Just check out Patriarch Distillers’ Facebook Page to see posts of all those who they are helping.

Foster Business Community Relationships

This is due to not only the big hearts of Patriarch Distillers/Soldier Valley Spirits and their staff, but of other businesses. Businesses that, despite the efforts of Dave Young, won’t get the notoriety they deserve. But all these entities want to have a part in helping others out. That’s what communities need to remember. Fostering a sense of community is not just about events and other activities that bring people together. It’s also about helping those in need.

No one individual, no single business can have the impact that a community of businesses with a common goal can obtain. If you, as a representative of your community, have the opportunity, start working on those relationships now. The representatives for Patriarch Distillers may not have had all the contacts they needed from the start. However, they knew who could get them in touch with those who could help.

Start making a “community” out of the businesses in your town before an event like this strikes. The friendships built between businesses help out in times of need. But they can also improve ties back to the community. It never hurts to add to the heartstrings that keep a business in your town.

Also, make sure the businesses in your community have a point of contact that they can reach out to. That one person or persons that can get them the information and resources they need to make a difference.

Though this story actually originated several months back, it has a special connection to the holidays. This is a story about helping others, which is where our mindset should be right now. Happy Holidays everyone!