SI Chamber of Commerce: As Island's 350th Birthday Nears, Nationwide Initiative Holds Special Appeal For Locals
Barton Horowitz - Relevant Public Relations LLC. - July 27, 2011STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When Peter Stuyvesant initiated Staten Island’s first permanent European settlement in 1661, he unknowing laid the groundwork for a yearlong celebration three and a half centuries later.
Since January, special events and projects throughout 2011 have been leading up to Staten Island’s 350th birthday on Aug. 22. Among these, is local participation in a nationwide program whose name is a timely, yet coincidental, reminder of the Island’s 350th birthday: The 3/50 Project.
A grassroots campaign seeking to enrich the lives of residents and the businesses in their local communities, The 3/50 Project has been embraced by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
The concept behind the nationwide initiative is for consumers to pick three independently owned Island businesses and spend a monthly total of $50 between these establishments.
“Dollars can quickly add up as more people get involved, hopefully giving our neighborhood shopkeepers the edge they need to stay in business and continue serving Islanders,” said Linda M. Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “The 3/50 Project benefits business owners and Island residents alike by helping to improve our local economy and quality of life. I can think of no better way to celebrate Staten Island’s 350th birthday than to strengthen the economic fabric of our communities.”
The 3/50 Project was founded by Cinda Baxter, a resident of Minneapolis, Minn., where the grassroots initiative began in March 2009.
BENEFITS TO ISLANDERS
Islanders who participate in The 3/50 Project will benefit from:
· Contributing to the Island’s economy and local community;
· Helping their favorite stores stay in business;
· Saving on gas and tolls, and
· Taking advantage of special incentives from Island enterprises.
BENFITS TO BUSINESS OWNERS
Island business owners who participate in the Project will gain:
· An increased awareness among the general public;
· The ability to be part of an Island community program;
· An opportunity to support fellow Island business owners;
· Access to free marketing materials, and
· Exposure through media outlets, social media, online and print publications, e-mail blasts and more.
CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP NOT REQUIRED
Although the Chamber is spearheading participation with the Project on Staten Island, Chamber membership is not a prerequisite for getting involved.
“All Island residents, brick-and-mortar enterprises, including those with a national or regional brand name, and home-based businesses and individuals are encouraged to join The 3/50 Project,” Ms. Baran said.
In addition, Island business groups and nonprofit organizations outside the Chamber are encouraged to get involved by signing up as official supporters of The 3/50 Project and spreading the word to their own memberships.
Islanders are not being asked by The 3/50 Project to swear off chain stores and franchises, but rather, as explained on the Project’s Web site, “redirect an affordable $50 back to the locally owned independent businesses that have been forgotten of late.”
Tools available for participating business owners and official supporters of the program include: Flyers, countertop signage, window clings, and more.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
It’s easy to begin your involvement with The 3/50 Project:
· Go to the home page and click on “Jump In”
· Select the type of business you wish to register
· Follow the on-screen instructions
· Click “Submit”
Although The3/50 Project has barely gotten under way on the Island, local groups and enterprises from across the borough already have begun to sign up, including: The Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR); AJNA holistic healing products and services, Dongan Hills; Video Surveillance Corp., New Springville; Suzanne's Fashion Corner, West Brighton; Staten Island Business Trends, Rosebank; Relevant Public Relations, Graniteville; Frank Anson Jewelers, New Dorp; Ann's Party Rentals, Grant City; St. George Pharmacy, St. George, and Data Discovery & Research (DBA PaperChase), Richmond Valley.
For additional information, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce may be reached at 718-727-1900, or via e-mail: info@sichamber.com.
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