Monday, January 23, 2012

DISCOUNTS FOR BEAUTIFICATION

Local Merchants Offer Discounts for Community Projects  

[MONTICELLO] – Local businesses can support community beautification projects throughout Sullivan County by joining the Merchant Discount Program organized by the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and Sullivan Renaissance.

Now in its eleventh year, the program links volunteer Renaissance projects with businesses offering discounts on products and services used to clean up and beautify communities.

Sullivan Renaissance grants provide community groups with seed money for beautification and spruce up projects.  Grant amounts range from $200 to $5000 depending on the size of the project.  The discount program helps this money go farther, while encouraging local spending.

“Everyone wins with this program,” said Chamber President and CEO Terri Ward.  “Merchants get an increase in business; community groups are able to stretch their resources while keeping the dollars local; and Sullivan County looks more inviting to visitors and residents alike.”

Merchants set the savings amounts – typically 10% to 20% or more – and are given a list of participants.  Project leaders are given special cards to identify that the items they are purchasing will be used for community projects.  Stores are publicized in flyers, news releases and on the Sullivan Renaissance website [www.sullivanrenaissance.org].

To register for the program, individuals should contact the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at 845-791-4200 or Sullivan Renaissance at 845-295-2452.  Businesses do not need to be chamber members to participate.

BUSINESS WORKSHOPS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPO

Merchants are invited to attend the Sullivan Renaissance Annual Conference and Expo on Saturday, March 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the CVI Center in Ferndale.  “Main Street Success Stories” and “Enhance Your Storefront for Under $200” are free workshops geared for business.  Keynote speaker Joe Lamp’l, host of the TV series “Growing a Greener World,” will talk about the latest trends in eco-friendly living.  For information on how to register, go to www.sullivanrenaissance.org or call 845-295-2445.