Jun 30, 2014

Group Wants To Encourage Local ShoppingBy Sara BrumfieldWOUB.org

Athens, OH – A group of Athens residents and business owners have put their heads together to come up with ways to promote shopping locally to support Athens businesses and keep money in the community.

Wendy Jakmas, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said a focus group of 13 people was formed to think of ways get the message out about the importance of supporting local businesses. She said while there are several chamber members on the focus group, it’s not a chamber-exclusive initiative. The group began meeting about two months ago, according to Jakmas.

Eric Lucas, owner of Carpet One Floor & Moore, serves on the focus group. He said he has long been a staunch supporter of shopping locally. As president of the Athens Building Industry Association, Lucas said he’s very passionate about protecting Athens residents from out-of-town contractors who have no investment in the Athens community. He said the focus group seemed like a good match for him.

Read complete article »