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Tonights Monthly meeting of Newry and Mourne Council will hear a plea to all Newry and Mourne residents by Sinn Féin Councillor Pat Mc Ginn at what he described is “a time deemed to be the make or break time for many of our Shops and Businesses”, to “First Stop, Shop Local”
The Councillor was speaking on a motion brought to the Chamber by his Party to ask the Council to commit to the introduction of a “Newry and Mourne Loyalty Card” which works on the principle that if you support local participating business, they will reward your loyalty with unique offers just for you”
Speaking prior to the debate the Councillor said “The motion speaks for itself. If passed tonight it will not only be what I feel is the start of a longer term focus for us a Council and our commitment to our local businesses and communities but will send out a rallying cry at what is deemed the make or beak time for many of our Shops and businesses throughout Newry and Mourne, that is to “First Stop, Shop Local”. Encouraging economic prosperity is one of the council's top aims and getting local people to shop local is a step in that direction. These are tough economic times and we need to do all we can to help our traders.
Shopping local retains communities; create local employment and self employment. The commitment to work together with all appropriate partners to introduce a Newry and Mourne Loyalty Card is a very practical and innovative way for our Council to help our local businesses. They are a part of the local community, and in our major town centres they are the local community. They generate wealth, employment and opportunity and are the glue which binds communities together.”
Concluding the Sinn Fein elected representative said “This motion can only be the start. In 2013 our Council must focus on showing leadership in facing the challenges that directly impact on this area and its communities. We have to prioritise encouraging economic sustainability and prosperity as one of our key objectives.
The motion tonight states "That this Council confirms its commitment to the introduction of a “Newry & Mourne Loyalty Card”, accepting that such a Card works on the principle that if you support local participating businesses, they will reward your loyalty with unique offers just for you. The Council also directs senior management and relevant officers to liaise with the areas Chambers of Commerce, City Centre Management Officials, Business agencies/organisations/bodies and all appropriate others to agree the process, procedures and structures needed to put this initiative in place as soon as practically possible."
