From the desk of the County Manager,

Sometimes when I’m in the office here at 200 East Main Street, I feel the need to get out and enjoy our downtown. There are so many places to choose within just a few minutes’ walk or car ride – from amazing restaurants, shops, quirky establishments, Durham-themed specialties, entertainment, and tourist destinations, that it could be a full-time job to try and enjoy it all!

But that is one of the things that makes Durham so special and why we all love calling Durham home.

Did you know that 80 percent of all Durham County’s small businesses are located in downtown? And in all, there are 800-plus small businesses in DCo. And unlike many communities, they are almost exclusively places you can’t find anywhere else!

That’s why I am excited to share that our friends over at Discover Durham have launched their “Love Durham” campaign for the second straight year.

This effort celebrates the locally owned businesses that power Durham’s economy and shape its bold, inclusive, and creative spirit. From now until February 28, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore, shop, dine, and connect with nearly 200 participating businesses across Durham County.

Durham’s small businesses are the backbone of our community. They reflect our commitment to diverse entrepreneurship and play a vital role in strengthening our local economy – creating jobs, generating tax revenue that supports community investment, and advancing sustainable business practices.

This year’s campaign highlight allows you to participate in the Love Durham campaign by completing the Love Durham Challenge – an app-based experience where you earn prizes for scanning a QR code at participating businesses and events across our community. Here are the four challenges:

• Love Durham as a Creative: Support the local artists, galleries and inspiring spaces that make Durham a cultural destination.
• Love Durham as a Style Icon: Support local boutique owners, vintage curators, jewelry designers and independent shops that give Durham its distinctive style.
• Love Durham as a Foodie: Support the chefs, roasters, brewers and culinary entrepreneurs who’ve built Durham’s award-winning food scene.
• Love Durham as a Family: Support the local businesses and attractions that have something to offer for all ages.

How do you participate? First, download the Discover Durham App. Once in the App, pick your challenge and then check in at 10 businesses associated with it. Once you get to 10, stop by the Visitor Info Center at 212 W. Main Street to claim your prize: a branded tote and a themed patch for each challenge completed. You can also take some Love Durham stickers and pins along the way at participating businesses.

Businesses who are interested in being part of Love Durham, there is still time to participate! Fill out this form to sign up and Discover Durham will provide you with stickers and promote all businesses that sign up before January 16^th! Find a list of the participants so far here.

“Durham’s legacy of innovation and inclusivity has shaped the colorful fabric of small businesses we now have today,” said Cara Rousseau, chief marketing officer of Discover Durham, in a news release. “These businesses not only create economic opportunities for locals, but they also perpetuate Durham’s culture as a place that welcomes the unconventional and the bold. From identity-building to cultural inclusion, the contributions of our small businesses make Durham a standout destination for visitors who spend their dollars here and residents who passionately love the community they call home.”

We are all immensely proud to call Durham home. The Love Durham campaign is a chance to show that love to the small business owners who help to make Durham, Durham.

So, pick one of the themes – or if you are daring do all four – to connect with Durham in the way that sparks your passion. These challenges are designed for hipsters and homemakers, fashionistas and foodies, and techies and artists; and for how YOU Love Durham the best!

Until next week,

Claudia Hager | County Manager