City of Ithaca and Tompkins County Recognize National Small Business Week
Tompkins Chamber and Downtown Ithaca Alliance Urge Residents to Support Local Businesses
TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY – On Tuesday, May 1st, at its regular meeting, the Tompkins County Legislature issued a proclamation designating April 29 through May 5, 2018 National Small Business Week in Tompkins County; on Wednesday, May 2nd, the City of Ithaca Common Council did the same.
National Small Business Week takes place each year at the end of April/beginning of May, and it’s one way to recognize and appreciate that small businesses contribute significantly to the local, regional, and national economy through job creation and by investing directly in the vibrancy of their communities.
Martha Robertson, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature said, “Tompkins County joins and supports this national effort to help our small businesses do what they do best – grow their business, create jobs, and ensure that our communities remain as vibrant tomorrow as they are today.”
Svante Myrick, Mayor of the City of Ithaca said, “From the storefront shops that anchor our main streets to the high-tech startups that keep Ithaca on the cutting edge, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our nation’s promise.”
The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Ithaca Alliance remind area residents that locally owned small businesses are the greatest job creators in the local community, and that every dollar spent patronizing a small, independently owned business has significantly more economic impact than spending that same dollar outside our community or online retailers.
According to the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, Ithaca and Tompkins County ranked higher than the nearby region or the State of New York for providing a supportive atmosphere for entrepreneurs during a recent survey which benchmarked economic outlook for the area.
This is due in part, suggests Jennifer Tavares, Chamber President, to the interest and willingness of residents to support all kinds of small businesses locally.
“Regardless of the type of business, small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Tompkins Chamber President Jennifer Tavares. “It is more important than ever that local consumers be intentional with their restaurant and retail purchases, select local service providers whenever possible, and think about how their dollars circulate in the economy. Your neighbors who own and work in local small businesses need your support, and we’re proud to recognize their hard work during National Small Business Week and throughout the year.”
“With another busy construction season on the horizon, we hope that our neighbors and friends in the Ithaca and Tompkins County community will remember how many wonderful restaurants, retailers, and service providers are located downtown—ready to provide excellent service at a great value,” said Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance. “Our message is clear: shopping locally and supporting your neighbor’s business isn’t only for the holiday season, but year round. That’s why we’re excited to participate in National Small Business Week and work to support downtown businesses all year long.”
The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce has more information about local businesses to support at their website tompkinschamber.org; the Downtown Ithaca Alliance offers the same at www.downtownithaca.com.