'Think Monroe County (and Columbia) First'

City of Columbia elected officials and economic development staff are assisting the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) in launching the new "Think Monroe County First" marketing campaign this week. The Columbia City Council pledged support for the campaign Monday night by approving a resolutions--joining the Waterloo City Council, which acted that same evening.

The new program is designed to increase consumer awareness of county businesses and to provide support during today's tough economic times. "This is not a new concept," MCEDC member Jane Kolmer told a lunch gathering of the Columbia Chamber today at Bully's Smokehouse. "It's just a new approach."

"Forty percent of every dollar spent locally stays local," Kolmer observed. "Why would you want to spend that money across the river when we get nothing?" Kolmer continued to drum up support for the program this week in a presentation to the Waterloo Chamber.

MCEDC is hosting a free public presentation for local merchants tomorrow night at The Falls in Columbia. Business owners or managers still wishing to attend the gathering need to RSVP by calling the Monroe County Commissioners' office at (618) 939-8681 x. 214 or by e-mailing action@htc.net.
There is a two-person limit per business for the event.

The "Think Monroe County First" program launches with the public next Monday, November 24th.