By Dave Fried
Although it has taken some time for the technology to catch up with the vision, our retooled Keep it Local Robbinsville campaign is re-launching with the addition of a Rewards and Fundraising Card for shoppers.
These cards are designed to both give back to the community and provide incentives for shoppers courtesy of businesses that are the lifeblood of our local economy.
The new program, redesigned by Township Public Information and Communication Officer John Nalbone and his team now rewards you for shopping and dining inside Robbinsville, in addition to maintaining the integrity of the 2-percent charitable donation that was so critical to this initiative during its inception.
The goal when I first announced the Keep it Local Robbinsville outline during my State of the Township address in 2012 was to raise awareness for our residents in order to keep local dollars in Robbinsville, and at the same time give back to this community. It is the residents who support our Little League, our churches and civic organizations. They are the ones paying taxes.
Even when technology constraints in the early stages prevented the program from truly taking off, we still were able to spread the word about Keep it Local Robbinsville through radio advertising on WPST, along with the Keep it Local Robbinsville billboard on Route 33 across from one of our original program founders, Centro Grille
There currently are 16 merchants participating, including David Bradley Chocolatier, Gifted, H&H Appliances, Tony’s Farm & Garden, Country Gardens, Timothy’s, Dolce & Clemente, VC Salon, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream and several others. More businesses are expected to be added over the next year.
Among the charities currently participating are Animal Friends for Education and Welfare, Meals on Wheels, Robbinsville PAL Junior Ravens football and cheer, Ryan’s Quest, area scouts and more. Any 501(c)(3) charity may apply to have dollars routed to organization by visiting keepitlocalnj.com.
Additionally, a second billboard is being planned on Route 130 in the vicinity of Gordon Road. I’d like to thank Sharbell Development Corp. for working so closely with us to help make that project happen.
There are other programs similar to this around the country, but I feel the charitable component of Keep it Local Robbinsville, in addition to the rewards, makes ours really special. People can feel good about not only shopping, but where they shop.
Over the next few weeks residents who have signed up for the program will receive a brochure containing the new Keep It Local Robbinsville community card. Upon receipt, please review the brochure for an explanation of the new program’s benefits and then activate the new card at keepitlocalnj.com.
To say we love having Fortune 500 giants such as Amazon, McKesson Corporation and Walgreens operating in Robbinsville is a huge understatement, but we also need our small businesses in town to thrive. We felt upping the ante with a practical rewards program was the way to go.
I just want to thank everyone, especially our merchants, for their patience during this key transition.
We are confident the program will now bear more fruit than any of us originally envisioned, and I am excited to see the results.
Dave Fried is the Mayor of Robbinsville.
