Shopping locally keeps community active, vital

[jay]

Downtown Day is our effort to help the local/downtown economy.

I like the idea of using the card to keep track of participation.  Awarding a prize makes it all that much better.

[irishbobcat]

Shopping locally keeps community active, vital
By PAUL GIANNAMORE, Business editor POSTED: May 16, 2009 Save | Print | Email | Read comments | Post a comment
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STEUBENVILLE - Shopping locally is about more than commerce. It's about building upon and keeping a vital and active community.

The Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times will launch a community pride promotion program called "I Shop Locally."

Beginning June 1, customers will be able to pick up an "I Shop Locally" card at any participating business. Each time the consumer makes a stop at a participating business or makes a purchase there, the customer is awarded a stamp on the back of the card. When the card is stamped three times, the card can be dropped into a collection box at each participating business, with eligibility for a weekly drawing by the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times for a drawing for a $50 winner. At the end of each month, all the cards will be pooled together for a chance at a monthly $250 drawing.

It is an incentive to support local businesses, who, in turn, support community causes and other local businesses.

Peggy Zende of Anna-Kay's Unique Fashions, 155 N. Fourth St., said shopping locally is about "going green" in a sense that's quite different from the environmental slogan.

"When you shop locally, it keeps our economy green. Local business owners drive the local charitable community," Zende said. She noted area business owners are regularly asked to support a variety of community causes.

In recognition of that, the community is supporting itself and its needs by supporting and shopping at local businesses.

"Remember, giving begins at home. If you think of us when it comes to giving, always remember to shop locally," Zende said. "And remember, a locally owned business ranges from retail to your accountant, your attorney, the insurance agent, the physician. We are all in business."

Diane Orsini of Carlaines Florist, 807 Franklin St., Toronto, agreed.

"Businesses need the support of the community so we, in turn, can support them and their projects. In these tough economic times, keep us going so that we can offer more and better services and a larger selection of inventory."

Steve Balkun of Balkun Insurance in Toronto, said, "In order for our area to survive and thrive, we need to spend money and visit the local retailers and business people. It keeps them in business and enables them to buy from each other as well. One buys from another and it keeps the money locally, so that people can take care of their households and their livelihoods."

Businesses interested in participating in the "I Shop Locally" promotion may purchase a listing to appear on a full-page advertisement that will be published every day from June 1 to Sept. 30.

"To encourage high participation, we are keeping our cost to advertisers extremely low, at $24.50 per week," said Denise Delatore, retail sales manager for the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times. She noted there is no cost to consumers to participate and the newspapers will provide the stamps, card collection boxes, signs and cards to each participating business.

In addition to receiving a place in the full-page print advertisement, the ad will be viewed on line from links on the www.heraldstaronline.com and www.weirtondailytimes.com Web sites.