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'Buy Northeast Ohio' pushed
(by Sue Hoffman - November 30, 2011)
'Buy Northeast Ohio' pushed
By SUE HOFFMAN
Several local companies are participating in "Buy Northeast Ohio for the Holidays," Dec. 1 to 4 at the former Border's bookstore at 6025 Kruse Drive in Uptown Solon Shopping Center.
Hours of sale are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 1) and Friday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
A percentage of the sales will be given to four parents' groups to support Solon school programs: the Council of PTAs, Solon Athletic Boosters, Solon Academic Boosters and Solon Music Parents.
"There will be absolutely drop-dead prices," said Cathy Horton, who spearheaded the event. She said the event will be family friendly, with a coloring table for children, disc jockey Java Joe from Kiss FM radio at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, and lots of popcorn.
Ms. Horton, director of chemical solutions for Hoover, Inc., in Glenwillow, said the local event evolved from the Buy Ohio event she has helped plan with the Ohio Departments of Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Buy Ohio is being launched at the Statehouse atrium in Columbus, Dec. 6.
"With the Buy NEO event, we intend to celebrate and support the local businesses here during the holiday season, and at the same time, support a meaningful charitable cause," Ms. Horton said. "The schools are a perfect match.
"My vision is for other areas around Ohio to replicate our event and to build statewide support for the Buy Ohio campaign," she said.
The Solon/Glenwillow event's logo is a shopping bag with Northeast Ohio shaded on a state map. "It would be magnificent if that state map were to be shaded all over by communities doing similar events around Ohio throughout the year."
Participating in the Buy Northeast Ohio event are TTI Floor Care companies, which include Hoover, Dirt Devil, Milwaukee Tool, Ryobi, Homelite and Nutek Green. Several other companies from Solon and Glenwillow will be selling or donating products, Ms. Horton said, including Interdesign, a house wares and home fashions company, as well as L'Oreal, Honey Baked Ham, Glenwillow Grille, Nestle USA, Dots and Superior Beverage.
Solon PTA and booster groups will offer community information and a kids' corner.
Tamara Strom, director of communications services, said it's a "win-win" event. "It's an opportunity to have a nice tie with the business community, and great use of empty space."
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