FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3, 201

 As Staten Island’s 350^th Birthday Nears, Nationwide Initiative Holds Special Appeal For Locals

 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. –  A  Minneapolis-born campaign seeking to enliven local businesses is taking root in the boroughs of  New York City.

“The 3/50 Project is helping to remind all of us of to slow down a bit and enjoy the bonds of friendship often forged between local merchants and the people who live or work in their neighborhood,” says Valerie Gullo, owner of AJNA holistic products and services in the Staten Island community of Dongan Hills.

Most recently embraced by the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, “The 3/50 Project” is a grassroots campaign that urges consumers — in this case New Yorkers —  to pick three independently owned neighborhood businesses and spend a monthly total of $50 between these establishments. 

Brick-and mortar-enterprises and supporters from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island have begun signing up to help promote the initiative.

The campaign has gained special significance on Staten Island, where The “3/50” Project moniker is a timely, yet coincidental, reminder of the Island’s upcoming “350^th”  birthday on Aug. 22.

 “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 350^th 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 CONSUMERS

New York City shoppers who participate in The 3/50 Project will benefit from:

• Contributing to the economy of their local community;
• Helping their favorite stores stay in business;
• Saving on travel time, and
• Taking advantage of special incentives from neighborhood shopkeepers.

BENFITS TO BUSINESS OWNERS

New York business owners who participate in the Project will gain:

• An increased awareness among the general public;
• The ability to be part of a community program in their borough;
• An opportunity to support fellow New York business owners;
• Access to free marketing materials, and
• Exposure through media outlets, social media, online and print publications, e-mail blasts and more.

New Yorkers 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 www.the350project.net
• 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; Video Surveillance Corp.; Suzanne’s Fashion Corner; Staten Island Business Trends, Rosebank; Relevant Public Relations; Frank Anson Jewelers; Ann’s Party Rentals;  St. George Pharmacy, and Data Discovery & Research (DBA PaperChase).

 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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Media  Contact: Barton Horowitz

Relevant Public Relations, LLC

Headquarters: 718‑682‑1509

Mobile: 917‑715‑8761

Email: Bhorowitz@RelevantPR.com