You learn something new and great everyday. Today I was reading on Facebook how a local group are starting something called a "Cash Mob". The idea behind a cash mob is to support your community by supporting small business in your community. Recently MO))) ran a story about the consolidation of insurance brokers in the area, and it made us think about all the money that leaves the area, and how much better our community would be if if more money that was spent here, stayed here.
At cashmobs.wordpress.com, it states “Cash Mobs” isn’t a political or social organization, a corporation, a movement, or meant to be an answer to economic crisis. By and large, those that organize Cash Mobs are simply people trying to make a positive impact on the businesses in their communities (and have fun while doing it)!" The rules of a Cash Mob are as follows:
1) The mob date will be announced at least a week in advance via facebook (and Miramichi Online).
2) The location at which to meet will be announced, but not the specific business to support.
3) The amount to spend will not be more than $20, although people can spend more if they wish.
4) The business must have products for both men and women.
5) The business must be locally owned.
6) The business owner must give back to the community in some way.
7) The business owner must approve the CashMob before the mob is announced.
8) The business must be within one block of a locally-owned watering hole.
9) Cash Mobbers must join us for celebratory drinks after the successful mob.
10) The cash mob will occur during the evening on a weekday or on a weekend.
11) Pictures will be posted to the blog after the CashMob.
Last year in Long Island, New York, "over 100 Mobbers (approximately 5% of the population of our Village, as one resident pointed out) descended with $20 in hand, mobbing a local store, The Variety Mart, to the tune of about $2,800! The owner of the store, Carolyn Holtz, declared it the best day she has ever had and that the result of the Mob will allow the store to remain open for the remainder of the winter.
The Mob continued to Porters on the Lane, one of our local restaurants, to enjoy special Mob-tails and Mob-tinis. Mobbers remained throughout the evening continuing the cash infusion.
Reports have been received that the other restaurants and businesses in our little downtown area were quite active, full of Mobbers throughout the evening.
In contrast to the little economic boost the Mob was able to give many local businesses on Saturday, sadly, our beloved Wallen’s — a local family owned grocery store — closed its doors that night after over 50 years of service to our community. Too late to help this business, our Mob still brought hope to the businesses remaining."
And in Ohio, the Cash Mob invades a long standing business, and mobbers have a great time and reunite with folks from the community they hadn't seen in years. Story
Go to the facebook page, and join the mob. Join!! The group is currently taking suggestions for it's first mob location, and they are hoping for a big turnout. MO))) will definitely be there to cover the event and support or local businesses in a big way. This is a great idea!