Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District (WMPID) Launches Data Tool to Provide Free Updates About Open Businesses Amid COVID-19

New hyperlocal business directory, ‘ZoomBusiness,’ designed to help area shops & restaurants engage with local residents

This week WMPID launched its own area ZoomBusiness, an online tool that enables local businesses across the District to communicate with customers for free in real time. WMPID ZoomBusiness, created by GIS Planning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is an interactive, mobile-responsive mapping directory for communities that ensures customers can find open restaurants, stores and services in their region at no charge.

Businesses located within the District can list themselves for free on the WMPID ZoomBusiness site to help residents find the businesses and services they need. The businesses can provide customized details including websites, modified hours, delivery or curbside pickup options, promotions, and gift card stimulus programs. Residents can search for area businesses by categories, including grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, health facilities, hardware stores, pet stores and automotive shops, among others.

Local ZoomBusiness sites have already been deployed in over 30 communities across North America since the new online GIS mapping tool launched April 22nd, including regions of eastern Pennsylvania, Columbia, S.C., the state of Wyoming (which has listed more than 600 businesses on the directory) and Abbotsford, British Columbia.

WMPID ZoomBusiness tool currently features Brick and Brews, Eden’s Café, Magnolia Smiles, Parks Barber Shop & Salon, Tamina Farmers Market and Zanti Cucina Italiana, helping residents discover delivery and curbside food options. That number is expected to quickly rise to over 300 as business owners input data.

“Through our work with GIS Planning, we’ve been able to take our list of open restaurants and businesses and integrate it into the available properties map on our website,” said Rob Eissler, Executive Director of WMPID. “During this crisis, local businesses need every advantage we can give them, and this is another tool in their arsenal in helping to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19.”

WMPID will continue to support local businesses in other ways, but there is nothing better than bringing residents back to the restaurants, shops and services that make their community so distinctive.

Following the COVID-19 recovery, WMPID ZoomBusiness will continue to be used as the directory to promote small and medium-sized businesses! Click here to access Westwood Magnolia Parkway Improvement District’s ZoomBusiness tool now and select the “Add a Business” button in the top right corner. You may also contact us at info@westwoodmpid.org and we will add it for you!