By Stephanie Vaccaro, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — In difficult economic times, people tend to band together to promote the common good. The same is true with area businesses that have joined the newly formed Montgomery Business Association, whose primary focus is a Shop Local Montgomery campaign.
”Shopping local is good for the local economy as well as good for the environment,” said Jennifer Pierce, the trustee of the Montgomery Business Association.
”Along with local retail, we are very focused on local business-to-business support,” said Ms. Pierce. “There are a multitude of home-based businesses in Montgomery that can benefit each other. The more we work with each other, the more our businesses will grow, which in turn will grow our local economy, and reduce our community’s carbon footprint.”
Last September, the Sustainable Montgomery commission had the idea for a shop local campaign, said Ms. Pierce. Due to certain restrictions, it was decided to start an entity that could support and drive the campaign in a much more efficient manner. Five Montgomery business owners were brought together and volunteered to build the association.
”Between October and January, we developed the website, set up the non-profit, introduced the logo, and got 25 founding members to include in our initial printed slim jims,” said Ms. Pierce.
Their first working general meeting in March yielded future plans and their mission statement. The mission of the association is to support and cultivate locally owned businesses in Montgomery Township, to advocate issues that provide continuous opportunities for entrepreneurs, promote networking to build community economic strength, support local government initiatives that enhance locally based businesses, and serve as a liaison to engage local policymakers.
”Our membership is growing nicely,” said Ms. Pierce of the now 32 members.
A member can be a resident of Montgomery and have a business outside of the township or they can have a business in Montgomery.
They will host a meet and greet from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 12 at the Elks Club. Admission is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a cash bar.
The idea for it came about at the general meeting where business owners said, we don’t know each other. Having a gathering such as this will help the association and the campaign, said Ms. Pierce.
”We’re really grassroots at this point,” she said.
With the economy as it is, businesses must see value, she said, and they’re trying to add value despite their limited funds.
”So, I think if we just create a buzz and do all sorts of those types of inexpensive offers, it will also bring the campaign up,” said Ms. Pierce of their participation at local events. “It is fun to see the community get excited about Shop Local Montgomery.”
”Having the Montgomery Business Association as the backdrop, we can also get together because we still have to be competitive,” said Ms. Pierce. “It makes a big difference just to our own stability in Montgomery and helps us to be able to work together to grow our businesses.”
Ms. Pierce, who works as an artist representative for her husband, photographer Frank Veronsky, has already experienced an increase in business directly related to her involvement, she said.
”With the economy what it is today in the world, if we can start at home it will be easier to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Ms. Pierce.

