Recently, Lakewood Mayor Ed FitzGerald announced an initiative to create a program that would help stimulate Lakewood's economy as well as create a healthy interaction between residents and merchants within the city.  As a result, the Buy Lakewood! Loyalty Program will begin on June 1st.  It is a free program offered to Lakewood businesses and Lakewood residents.  It is dedicated to educating residents on the importance of buying locally and the economic impact it has on our city.
 
This program is one of the only programs in northeast Ohio that provides an opportunity for each Lakewood merchant to choose any type of discount they would like to offer card holding members.  Merchants within the city limits will have the ability to go online and enroll their business at www.onelakewood.com. Once the business is enrolled, the city will add their business to an online directory showing their participation in the program.  Business owners will receive a window cling displaying their support for the Buy Lakewood! Loyalty Program.
 
All Lakewood residents are encouraged to register at www.onelakewood.com to receive their card. Once their name, address, phone number, and an email address (if applicable)  is entered, a card will be delivered to the resident's house along with a letter of appreciation and further explanation of how buying locally helps improve our community in many ways.  The Buy Lakewood! Program will provide residents immediate savings that will stay within the community.
 
Buying locally helps to improve our community in many ways:
·        It keeps dollars in Lakewood's Economy.  For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 stays in the local economy, creating jobs and expanding the city's tax base. 
·        Likewise, this program embraces what makes Lakewood unique.  Lakewood is a suburb where we shop, eat and entertain - it is what makes our neighborhood our home. 
·        Residents will also be able to have more choices.  A marketplace of hundreds of small businesses helps to ensure more innovation, competition and lower prices over the long term.  Local businesses choosing products based on what their local customers need and desire guarantee a more diverse range of product and service choices.
·        Lastly, local businesses are the lifeblood of our community.  When we keep our dollars in the city, every purchase contributes toward our schools, our culture and the well-being of our friends, relatives and neighbors.
 
The Buy Lakewood! Program has been implemented to support both the residents and merchants within the city.  This program will provide citizens discounts at no additional charges while providing local merchants a boost in economic activity.

 

For more information, contact Holly Lauch at 216-529-6602 or email her at holly.lauch@lakewoodoh.net.