Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) today held a press conference to unveil his legislation creating the “NY First-Shop Local” program.

This bill would repurpose existing funds allocated to the Department of Economic Development to create print, broadcast and digital marketing campaigns promoting local, family-owned businesses andprovide valuable business assistance tools to local firms.

“While many of their big-box competitors were free to operate during the last 10 weeks, most of our mom-and-pop, family-owned businesses were forced to shut down. Let’s help them catch up. So many of our restaurants, specialty stores and downtown retailers are on the brink, through no fault of their own. So many families are suffering economic hardship. Any serious recovery plan for our state needs to prioritize real solutions for our small-business owners to hit the ground running. This bill will help them retain their customers and connect with new ones,” said Ra.

“As we re-open our economy, it is more important than ever that we shop local and keep the dollars in the local community. This legislation will help highlight our local businesses so they can recover and, once again, thrive,” said Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino (R,C,I-Sayville).

"As we begin to re-open small businesses around the state, now is the time for the state to invest in Main Street. Ninety-five percent of businesses in New York are small businesses that employ half of our workforce. I am happy to support funding for our chambers of commerce and business organizations to promote shopping small," said Assemblyman Doug Smith (5^th Assembly District).

“I am glad to stand by my colleagues and support small businesses. Small businesses need help during this time to re-open and get back on their feet. That is why I support this grant program and cosponsored the legislation,” said Assemblyman John Mikulin (R,C,I-Bethpage).

“Local small businesses that have been shut down or are operating with skeleton crews are in need of every sort of support possible as they seek to recover from the extended coronavirus shutdown. Large chain stores benefited from government regulations, and a robust effort from New York state encouraging a “shop local” initiative will help balance the scales for our Main Streets and small businesses,” said Eric Alexander of the Long Island Main Street Alliance.

“This bill will give businesses as well as not-for-profits grant funding to advertise and market their businesses locally and keep consumers in their own communities where most live and work. Mom-and-pop shops are suffering the ravages of this pandemic.They are sitting with inventory from fall and winter at reduced prices as well as spring and summer inventory that also must be sold in order to move forward. Marketing this is of utmost importance.Thank you, Assemblyman Ra, for introducing this important piece of legislation,” said

Julie Marchesella, Legislative Liaison, Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce.

Ra said the bill will help local businesses gain ground on their international competitors online by making funding available to power search engine optimization, digital marketing campaigns and social media promotion. Local chambers of commerce, business improvement districts and other not-for-profits that promote local businesses would be eligible for grant funding to create innovative, cost-effective promotional vehicles urging New Yorkers to shop local.

Ra noted that the money to fund the program has already been allocated. The legislation would merely direct the resources to small-business recovery.

“Shopping local keeps money in our community. It helps people you actually know keep their jobs. It generates revenue for our municipal governments that could be facing major cuts in state aid. Most of all, shopping local will help good people whose livelihoods have been threatened and whose life’s work and family traditions are on the brink,” said Ra.

Ra is encouraging residents to think of small ways they can advocate for local businesses and modify their shopping habits.

“When you enjoy a meal at a locally owned restaurant, leave an online review that could attract another customer. Buy locally grown produce from the farmers’ market. Fill your prescriptions at an independent pharmacy. Subscribe to your local newspaper. We can all do a better job of investing in our community,” said Ra.