By Meagan McCarty
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano launched the Back to School Shop Local Campaign outside of Gail’s Stride Rite on Main Street in Port Washington on Aug. 31. “I encourage all residents to support their hometown businesses, not only as they go back-to-school shopping, but year-round, as local businesses are the heartbeat of Nassau County’s economy and make our communities stronger and better places to live, work and raise a family,” said County Executive Mangano.
The benefits of shopping locally were further detailed by the county executive to include: keeping local dollars in Nassau County’s economy, along with local jobs, wages, a strong tax base, which helps business owners invest back into the community such as sponsoring local sports and events. Shopping local is convenient and environmentally friendly.
One of the ways that Nassau County is promoting this campaign is through bus advertising. The CEO of NICE Bus, Mike Setzer, brought a brand-new, CNG-fueled, NICE bus along for the event. Those in attendance were given a tour of the vehicle and inside were posters encouraging passengers to “Shop Local.”
Julie Marchesella, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, addressed the crowd. After spending her term helping to rebuild businesses hurt from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, she advocated strongly, “before you click on an Internet purchase, shop Main Street (local) first.”
Greater Port Washington Business Improvement Executive Director Mariann Dalimonte also discourages shopping on the Internet because that money does not go back to the community. She believes that “if you don’t like seeing empty storefronts in your town, you can change that by shopping locally.”
Speaking to those in attendance, Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio drove home the point that local businesses are the heart and soul of Port Washington. “I am thrilled that they decided to kick off the campaign here. I encourage everyone to shop local businesses.” She also mentioned her enthusiasm for Restaurant Week, which will be Sunday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 23.
Gail’s Stride Rite is one of the many local businesses in Port Washington. They specialize in children’s shoes, but also have name brands and the latest styles for adults. A mother of two, Samantha Porter “would not get my shoes from anywhere else. They are so patient with my children and have great service with a personal touch.”
The owner of Gail’s, Frank Petriello, takes pride in offering the hometown feel in his store. Children that he fitted for their first shoes are now bringing their children in for that same warm welcome and the excitement that comes with walking out onto Main Street wearing their brand-new shoes. He is grateful to the chamber of commerce for all of their support, but “mainly, I am thankful for my customers, their loyalty and how they provide me with the best kind of advertising there is: word of mouth.”
