Curran Announces Inaugural Countywide Shop Small Scavenger Hunt
in Partnership with Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce & Nassau County Industrial Development Agency
Encouraging Residents to Shop Local on Small Business Saturday
To play, visit: www.nassaucountyny.gov/shopsmall
Lynbrook, NY – Today, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) and Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to announce the first-ever, countywide Shop Small Scavenger Hunt to further encourage residents to shop and dine at local small businesses on Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2019) and throughout the holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday was first launched by American Express in 2010, to promote shopping at small businesses in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This collaborative event expands on Small Business Saturday and is intended to highlight the economic impact and importance of shopping and dining locally.
At the press conference, which took place at TrainLand, the newest member of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce, the County Executive, alongside NCCC and IDA officials revealed the details of the engaging new scavenger hunt to incentivize residents to explore and support the mom and pop shops in their towns on a major holiday shopping day.
“Ninety percent of all Long Island companies are small businesses so shopping small makes a big impact. For every dollar spent at a small business, approximately 67 cents stays in that local community,” said County Executive Laura Curran. “Small businesses employ our neighbors, family, and friends and choosing to buy local helps keep our communities vibrant and strong. That is why we’re introducing the Shop Small Scavenger Hunt, encouraging residents to have some fun while supporting and exploring the mom and pop shops in their communities.”
“It’s important that we continue to support our small businesses who are the backbone of this county and nation,” said Richie Kessel, Chairman, Nassau County IDA. “The Nassau County IDA has made it a priority to work closely with NYS Economic Development Council to review state statues and determine how IDA’s can better assist downtowns, transit-oriented development and economic development to keep our county vibrant. We encourage all Nassau residents to shop locally and in their downtowns throughout this holiday season.”
“’Shop local’ is a great quote but merchants must provide an enjoyable experience and personalized service. Stores must modernize and grow through mixed use and full well-planned downtown revitalization. Those areas doing this are successful,” said Dennis Grossman, President, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.
“I am proud to work with the County Executive, local Chambers of Commerce and members of the community to support our vibrant small businesses in Lynbrook and throughout the county,” said Nassau County Legislator William Gaylor. “I encourage everyone to join me in shopping and eating local this “Small Business Saturday” and throughout the holiday season!”
How to Play:
- Print the Shop Small Scavenger Hunt sheet available on any of the following websites:
www.nassaucountyny.gov/shopsmall
www.nassauida.org/shopsmall
https://ncchambers.org/events/
- Complete any four (4) of the eight (8) tasks outlined in the Scavenger Hunt sheet. Some of the tasks include:
- Purchase a beverage or snack from a local coffee/bagel shop or deli and take a selfie with it.
- Take a selfie while getting a haircut at a local barber shop or while getting your nails done at a local salon.
- Make a purchase at a clothing boutique or gift shop and take a photo with it in front of the store.
- Make a purchase at a local hardware store or variety store and take a photo with your purchase in front of the store.
- WHEN: Purchases must be made on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2019 by 10pm at shops located all within the same town (i.e.: all shops within East Meadow, or all shops within Lynbrook, etc.)
- WHERE: Locations of purchases must include small businesses – no national franchises. All purchases must be made at shops located within the same town.
- HOW TO SUBMIT: A photo of the Scavenger Hunt sheet with four tasks filled out and completed along with corresponding photos of four tasks must be submitted by 10pm on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
- WINNERS: The first four (4) correctly completed entries will receive prizes.
- The first person to submit a correctly completed scavenger hunt sheet will receive gift cards totaling in the amount of $300 from the Nassau Council Chamber of Commerce for businesses within the area they shopped i.e.: if you shopped in Farmingdale, your gift cards will be for shops based in Farmingdale to continue supporting local businesses (shops may include restaurants, boutiques, nails salons, etc.).
- The second and third people to submit completed entries will receive gift cards totaling in the amount of $200 to businesses within the area they shopped.
- The fourth completed entry will receive gift cards totaling in the amount of $100.
