MIDDLETOWN — A township campaign, which encourages residents to shop locally, has been recognized as being among the best new programs in the state by the 48th annual Public Information Contest.
Buy Middletown received the award as the Best Special/Innovative Entry in the 2009 contest, which is sponsored by the New Jersey Managers Association, New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and the Center for Government Services at Rutgers, according to a press release from the township.
Launched in January 2009 by Mayor Pamela M. Brightbill to encourage residents to support Middletown businesses by shopping local whenever possible, Buy Middletown’s cornerstone is a free online directory that connects residents and business owners. Businesses can list their location, contact information and services they provide in the directory. Shoppers can browse the listings, search by category or keyword. The directory at www.middletownnj.org/buy includes more than 110 businesses to date.
Other components of Buy Middletown include a logo contest held in the spring to give the campaign an identity. Middletown resident and graphic designer Christine Alvarez designed the winning logo. The township, in coordination with the all-volunteer Community Affairs Council, hosts business networking nights. The mayor attends grand openings and other events hosted by Middletown businesses.
This is fourth time the township has received an award in this contest. Middletown received an award for Best Print Entry in 2005 and 2007 and for Best Overall Public Information Program in 2003. The contest is designed to promote the use of successful and innovative techniques that increase government’s ability to meet citizen needs and improve access to government services.