Neighborhood Notes

I love idea people. You know the type, they are in a state of constant brainstorming and if that energy is harnessed by the right people, big things happen. Two of my favorite idea people are Ben Andrews at PearlDistrict.Com and David Bentley at Mapclicks.com. Both have and execute big ideas that help our community and we're lucky to have them here.

David's most recent BIG IDEA is the Choose Local Program. It offers residents of the Pearl and other neighborhoods the oppotunity to shop locally and save. It's great for business and it's definitely good for us. Here's what the Mapclicks website has to say about the importance of making a difference:

Make a Difference

Your dollars do make a difference. Where you spend your hard earned money has a significant impact on your community. It can even affect your own employment. For every dollar you spend with a locally owned business seventy-percent of that dollar goes back into the local economy. When you spend a dollar at an out-of-state owned company over sixty-percent leaves the state. The more money that stays here, the better off we all are. When you show the Choose Local card you are stating that you support locally owned businesses. These businesses appreciate your support by providing you an instant benefit of reduced prices, or free upgrades, or some other offer. To find a Choose Local business on the MapClicks.com web site select the Choose Local logo. If you are in the neighborhood just look for the red Choose Local decal in the window of a Choose Local business.

The Choose Local card retails for $20 and it's available at retailers around the Pearl (and the city). When you purchase the card you are immediately eligible for deals, discounts, upgrades and special events at retailers and restaurants all over the city. Simply visit Mapclicks and peruse the current offers. Right now, there are deals at Ecru Paper, Get Bento , PH Reed, Peem Kaew, Physical Element, Sweet Masterpiece and The Pearl Retriever.

Get your card today and shop smart - Choose Local!