July 1-7 is Independents Week in the Heights

Members of Cleveland Heights City Council voted on a resolution to declare July 1-7 Independents Week in Cleveland Heights at the July 1 council meeting. From left, Council Members Mary Dunbar and Cheryl Stephens, Mayor Ed Kelley, Council Members Janine Boyd and Bonnie Caplan, and Vice Mayor Dennis Wilcox. They are holding T-shirts from locally owned, independent Heights businesses and the FutureHeights shop-local materials.

The cities of Cleveland Heights and University Heights, the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) and FutureHeights have declared the week of July 1–7 Independents Week.

“It’s a time to reflect on the importance of economic democracy and community self-determination by celebrating the nation’s locally owned, independent businesses and the stake each citizen has in shaping their home town’s future,” said Jennifer Rockne, AMIBA director.

“FutureHeights invites Heights residents to help celebrate by shopping at our many locally owned, independent businesses in the Heights,” said Clare Taft, president of the FutureHeights Board of Directors. “When we ask people to name their favorite restaurant or shop during the Best of the Heights Awards, they usually name locally owned businesses. Owners of these businesses are our friends and neighbors. They embody the spirit of entrepreneurism and individuality in our community.”

“Independent businesses help give the Heights its one-of-a-kind personality,” said Adam Fleischer, chair of the FutureHeights HeightsShops Committee and owner of the Wine Spot. “And studies have shown that each dollar spent at a locally owned independent business returns three times more money to our local economy than one spent at a chain. The choices our residents make about where to spend their money are important to ensuring we keep these businesses that help define who we are and contribute to our sense of place.”

To mark the occasion, FutureHeights is reissuing its Buy It In the Heights window decals for merchants to place in their store windows and is supplying them with copies of a brochure titled “Why Shop Local?” to give to their customers.

Susan Infeld, mayor of University Heights, issued a proclamation declaring July 1–7 to be Independents Week. Cleveland Heights City Council will do so at its July 1 meeting.

“We are grateful to have the support of our cities,” said Fleischer.

Independents Week is part of a nationwide campaign facilitated by the American Independent Business Alliance. To learn more, visit www.amiba.net. To learn more about FutureHeights HeightsShops program, visit www.futureheights.org.

Deanna Bremer Fisher

Deanna Bremer Fisher is executive director of FutureHeights and publisher of the Heights Observer.

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Volume 6, Issue 8, Posted 3:26 PM, 07.01.2013