'$25 on the 25th' Campaign Promoting Local Business

Though vacancies are filling up in Garden City's business district, with two new business openings on Seventh Street alone, long-term tenants are still facing challenges to make ends meet.

A campaign aimed at putting a few extra dollars into the cash registers of Main Street merchants is taking place Sept. 25 across New York State to encourage residents to spend their dollars locally.

"$25 on Sept. 25" – a collaboration of the New York Press Association, the New York Conference of Mayors and the New York Economic Development Council – urges New Yorkers to spend $25 Sept. 25 with a Main Street business. If the day proves successful, it could become an annual or semi-annual event.

Mayor Robert Rothschild, who regularly encourages local residents to shop in Garden City's downtown through his weekly column and at monthly board meetings, says he's proud to join other mayors across the state in helping to make the campaign a "tremendous success."

"This will be a day to support and celebrate Main Street businesses that give the Village of Garden City so much of its charm and hospitality," he said.

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce and its Merchants, Professionals & Retailers group wholeheartedly support the project.

"All form of marketing awareness certainly makes for a stronger economic climate among our businesses," says John Wilton, chair of the Merchants, Professionals & Retailers group. "This all happens through our residential and business communities responding to the never ending need of point-of-purchase sales. The fall season is upon us. School is open. Philanthropic requests are being presented to all our merchants/businesses. Now is the time to 'pay it forward.'"

Now more than ever, local communities across the state are being asked to pitch in to help support local merchants struggling during this economic downturn.

According to the campaign's website, "Main Street businesses are the heart and soul of communities across New York. These are the businesses that help build strong neighborhoods by sustaining local residents, meeting needs, linking neighbors and supporting local causes. Citizens who support and sustain Main Street are supporting not only local commerce, but also local culture, the environment and an essential part of the fabric of the community."

If you'd like to encourage potential customers to spend $25 at your store, restaurant or business Sept. 25, and would like to know how to participate in this effort, visit: www.newyorkpressassociation.com/25Onthe25th.aspx.

"Imagine if only half our residential/business communities participated,  it could be the best day of the year. Let's make it happen. Remember, we are Garden City!"