photo by: Rochelle Valverde

Dozens of businesses and organizations have pledged to follow health guidelines as part of the Lawrence Promise program. Some of the businesses and organizations are pictured June 11, 2020.

City business leaders are hoping that if customers know businesses are following health guidelines to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, they will be more likely to visit restaurants, shops and other businesses.

As part of that effort, several local business organizations have created a campaign to recognize businesses — and make them more recognizable to potential customers — that have pledged to follow health guidelines. The Lawrence visitors bureau, chamber of commerce, Downtown Lawrence Inc., and the Lawrence Restaurant Association created the Lawrence Promise program.

Andrea Johnson, director of marketing and communications for the city’s visitors bureau, Explore Lawrence, said that the program is meant to create an easily-recognizable message for both visitors and residents of Lawrence. Johnson said that research from around the country indicates that people do want to get out of the house and travel, at least short distances, but that some have fears about contracting or spreading the virus, and the seal is meant to reassure people that health guidelines are being followed.

“When you see this you know that practices are in place to keep you safe,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the businesses and organizations that have signed onto the Lawrence Promise program display a flyer with the program’s seal in in their windows. The campaign launched Monday, and, as of Thursday, 55 businesses and organizations have signed up, according to the listing on the Explore Lawrence website, unmistakablylawrence.com/promise.

In order to display the Lawrence Promise seal, a business or organization must sign onto an agreement to follow all federal, state, and local public health mandates, according to the program’s website. That includes creating barriers to reduce transmission, enhancing sanitation, promoting health screenings and following any industry-specific guidance to deter the spread of the virus. Businesses who sign the Lawrence Promise are provided with resources, tools and tips to help fulfill the requirements.

photo by: contributed photo

A flyer for the Lawrence Promise program details commitments of the program.

Bonnie Lowe, president and CEO of The Chamber, said that she thought the vast majority of local businesses were adhering to health protocols and the program just gives a higher level of assurance to the public. She said publicizing those businesses was important for both local customers and those who may visit from outside the community.

In addition to the campaign, Downtown Lawrence Inc. Executive Director Sally Zogry said that the organization was also working on installing hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout downtown within the next couple of weeks, including at the end of blocks, at midblock crossing points and in the parking garages. She said there was also a plan to put signs up about social distancing and other health and hygiene best practices.

The local health department has adopted Phase 3 of Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s reopening guidelines, which calls for a four-phase plan to reopen businesses, as the Journal-World has reported. As part of Phase 3, which began Monday, gatherings of up to 45 people will be allowed. In addition, all businesses, activities and venues can open if they can largely maintain six feet of social distance between people and follow other cleaning and public health practices. Wearing masks or other facial coverings is recommended but not required.

In addition to displaying the seal, businesses and organizations that have signed on to the program are listed by category on the Explore Lawrence website. The more than a dozen categories include shopping and retail, restaurants and nightlife, and arts, culture and entertainment organizations. Some of the 55 businesses and organizations that have signed up so far include the Lawrence Arts Center, The Burger Stand, Cottin’s Hardware and The Raven Book Store.