The Rome Area Chamber of Commerce reminds you to

“Shop Rome First”

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All About Shop Rome First!

The 11th Annual Shop Rome First

With sponsor support from Oneida Savings Bank and First Source Federal Credit Union, the Rome Chamber of Commerce worked to put the social back in shopping for the 2012 Shop Rome First Holiday Promotion during November and December to bring more shoppers into local Rome retailers, restaurants and service businesses. Fifty-three Rome businesses donated more than $12,000 in prizes for the Shop Rome First...and Win! Contest, and twenty-four lucky winners shared the bounty! In addition, three Treasure Hunt winners shared $1,000 in gift certificates from participating stores.

BACKGROUND

A Zogby International poll in 2001 convinced the Chamber's Retail Promotion Committee to develop an aggressive "Shop Rome First" campaign. The regional holiday promotion, supported by local business and sponsors, includes thousands of dollars' worth of contest prizes, a themed Treasure Hunt, and discounts during November and December. Spending at Rome retailers helps to preserve and grow Rome jobs. Employees of Rome retailers who live and shop in Rome add to the economic stability of Rome. Sales tax receipts collected by businesses are used to fund the local government, and that, in turn, lessens the likelihood of property tax increases. Shopping in Rome first for products and services before considering any other sources is important because, when practiced, we encourage job growth, generate sales tax revenue, and build our tax base. A vibrant, healthy business community is also necessary to fund the increasing costs of public education. Thanks in part to the Shop Rome First campaign, December sales tax revenue in Rome has increased steadily.

RETAIL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The Chamber's volunteer committee works year-round to organize ways to bring more shoppers into Rome stores: Committee chair Peter Capponi (The Jewel Box), and committee members Laurie Fusco (Ridge Street Depot), Jim DiBella (DiBella's), Linda Carlson (Rome Sentinel), Mollie Hoehn (Oneida Savings Bank) and Roberta Cavano (The Printed Word).