The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) recently announced their new “It Starts Here. Buy Locally” campaign, which is their most comprehensive promotional campaign to date encouraging consumers to support the local businesses in their downtowns during this holiday season.
The campaign was spurred by NCCC leaders who were concerned about Long Island’s economy and the need to support local chambers from across Nassau County. This advertising campaign includes local publicity and advertising, including spots airing on television, radio and also print advertisements in local newspapers.
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce represents more than 50 local chambers of commerce located in communities across Nassau County. More than 6,000 local businesses belong to chambers that are members of the NCCC. Many represent retail and other local businesses that are essential to the economic stability of the region.
“The leadership of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce recognizes that, when combined, small business owners are a major employer on Long Island and that their stability and the stability of the region rely on consumers spending money locally,” said Christopher Murray, NCCC president. “We’re asking consumers to remember that by shopping for goods and services in their nearby downtown, they are helping to boost the economy. The profits these businesses make pay local salaries, pay property taxes to support local schools and the sales tax revenue generated supports the county in providing necessary services.”
Murray also stressed that businesspeople should be mindful of Long Island vendors when purchasing supplies and services. “Business to business support is seen as a vital element for a turn around in this economic environment,” he said.
According to the NCCC, lost sales tax revenue from e-commerce and profits from out of state conglomerates all translate to less money in Nassau County.
Julie Marchesella, first vice president of the NCCC, said to remember to shop locally this holiday season as well as throughout the year. “Major investments have been made to revitalize many of our downtowns,” she said. “Support your local stores and keep our tax dollars in Nassau County.”
Francesca Carlow, second vice president of the NCCC and owner of Trio Hardware in Plainview, stressed that this was an initiative supported on every level of government and something that can be done across Nassau County. “The owners, presidents and executives of these big box stores don’t live here in Nassau County,” said Carlow. “Buy gift certificates to local stores and local restaurants, not the chain restaurants. Those profits directly help Nassau County.”
The “Buy Locally” logo was designed by an organization in Huntington and will be seen in stores and restaurants as well as in the NCCC’s advertising campaign.
For more information about the campaign, visit your local chamber of commerce’s website or the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce’s site at www.nccchambers.org.
