Cash Mob to Focus Buying Power in Woonsocket Tonight

Woonsocket's getting some rare good economic news today thanks to a cash mob organized by the Blackstone Valley Independent Business Alliance and the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce.

Cash mobs organize groups of people for scheduled group spending frenzies of customers prepared to part with a minimum of $20.The intent is to provide a little economic stimulus for local business.

This one will begin at 186 Cass Avenue (lot across from Landmark Medical
Center) at 6 p.m. Promptly at 6:15 p.m. the two businesses being mobbed will be announced.

Jeanne Pepin-Budnick, chairperson of the Blackstone Valley Independent Business Alliance and an owner of , who set up the cash mob, said the idea was originally raised by a member of the alliance. Shortly after, she attended a cash mob at Anything Goes in Warwick covered by turnto10.com Feb. 7 and took notes on how it was run.

Budnick said there are 40 confirmed people attending who have rsvp'd via the local cash mob's facebook page, but she thinks the turnout could be much better. There are 95 members of the alliance, then there are also the chamber members and a number of people who aren't likely to check in on facebook who will show.

"Everywhere I go I see someone who has heard about it," Budnick said.