ABOUT SHOP ROME FIRST

A COMMUNITY-WIDE EFFORT

A Zogby poll commissioned by the Rome Chamber in 2001 determined that 75% of Rome residents shopped outside of Rome for the holidays. Since sales tax dollars stay in Rome and help to keep property taxes low, the Rome Chamber's Retail Promotion Committee established the "Shop Rome First...and Win!" Contest to encourage residents to discover Rome's retail treasures if they Shop Rome First. Rome sales tax revenue in December has increased due to the Rome Chamber's Shop Rome First promotion which began in 2002. The Chamber's volunteer committee works year-round to organize ways to bring more shoppers into Rome stores.

Shop Rome First succeeds because of support at many levels, especially during the holidays. Stores agree to donate prizes and allow for the special events planned by the committee. Support from RBC Dain Rauscher, the Rome Sentinel, and the Rome Chamber made it possible to improve promotion of the event.

THE COMMITTEE

Committee chair Peter Capponi (The Jewel Box), and committee members Laurie Fusco (Ridge Street Depot), Jim DiBella (DiBella's), Roberta Cavano (The Printed Word), and Linda Carlson (Rome Sentinel) encourage shoppers to explore and discover Rome's "retail treasures" and "Shop Rome First!" for the 2007 holiday season.