20170608_XQC_QNE_p042

QC06082017

6 THE QUEENS COURIER • QUEENS BUSINESS • JUNE 2017 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM queens business Downtown Flushing retailers launch a reward program for local shoppers BY SUZANNE MONTEVERDI smonteverdi@qns.com / @smont76 Flushing shoppers can now earn certain rewards simply for shopping local. Th e Flushing Business Improvement District (BID) announced the launch of a new parking discount and consumer reward program to encourage customers to shop in the neighborhood during the downtown Flushing sidewalk widening project being conducted by the Department of Transportation. Th e program is the second phase of a two-part revitalization program by the BID. In the fi rst phase, the BID created and unveiled a free coupon book with deals and freebies for 85 total businesses along the bustling Main Street corridor. Now, for shopping at any of the businesses in the coupon book, shoppers can take advantage of some additional deals. Active Monday through Friday, customers who spend $25 or more at any of the 85 businesses will be rewarded with a $3 parking discount coupon. Customers who spend $50 or more will have the choice of a parking discount coupon or a free drinking tumbler or umbrella. All rewards can be redeemed with proof of purchase at these two locations between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.: Kiosk in front of Flushing Library (41- 17 Main St.) Sheraton Hotel, 6th fl oor (135-20 39th Ave.) Th e off er will run until June 30. Rewards will be distributed on a fi rst-come, fi rstserved basis. To see a list of participating vendors, visit fl ushingbid.com/coupon-book. Th e program was funded by a $1.55 million Neighborhood 360° grant recently awarded by the NYC Department of Small Business Services. Th e program was created to identify, develop and launch commercial revitalization projects in partnership with local stakeholders, like the Flushing BID. “Reconstruction is a time of renewal and transition,” said Dian Yu, executive director of the BID. “We’re all excited for the renewed roads and much-needed infrastructure upgrades in downtown Flushing, but it also presents challenges for many of our local businesses. Flushing BID is committed to making the process of transition a smoother one. Flushing BID is proud to be the bridge between local businesses and the government.” “Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and the $1.55 million in investments to Flushing is going a long way towards revitalizing key commercial corridors,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “By working with the Flushing BID, we are responding to local needs to support small business growth and build more vibrant neighborhoods for all New Yorkers.” For more information, contact the Flushing BID at 718-888-1805. New small marketing & ad campaign for downtown, too BY SUZANNE MONTEVERDI smonteverdi@qns.com / @smont76 Downtown Flushing businesses will get a boost through a soon-to-be-unveiled marketing campaign. Th e result of ongoing research, focus groups and one-on-one interviews, the new initiative has been designed to highlight the neighborhood’s unique character with a new logo, slogan and branding. Th e Asian Americans for Equality and the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce offi cially launched the campaign on June 7. Stemming from the New York City Department of Small Business Services’ (SBS) $1.55 million Neighborhood 360° Grant, a new, online neighborhood portal will be established later this year. Th e portal will provide visitor information, itineraries for exploration and recommendations for places to eat, visit and stay in the neighborhood. Th e three-year marketing initiative will also boost the area’s presence citywide through ad placement campaigns. Th e initiative will consist of three main targeted campaigns, according to SBS. “Flushing A-Z” will showcase Flushing’s diversity and range of unique landmarks, amenities and special programming. “Th e Real New York” will highlight the best of Flushing’s businesses and inspirational stories. Lastly, “Th e Global Adventurer” is designed to attract those looking to discover Flushing’s hidden gems and encourages people to create their own unique experience within the neighborhood. Free-of-charge marketing classes for local small businesses will also be off ered through the new initiative. “Strong neighborhoods are the backbone of our city, and the $1.55 million in investments to Flushing is going a long way towards revitalizing key commercial corridors,” said Gregg Bishop, commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “By working with Asian Americans for Equality and the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce, we are responding to local needs to support small business growth and build more vibrant neighborhoods for all New Yorkers.” “As Flushing grows, it’s important to Photo by Suzanne Monteverdi/QNS sustain the small businesses that started the neighborhood’s job-creating economic engine,” said Christopher Kui, executive director of Asian Americans for Equality. “Th is new marketing campaign will boost their bottom lines by helping the Flushing fi rst-time and veteran shopper alike fi nd something in the neighborhood they’re sure to love and keep them coming back for more.”


QC06082017
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