‘$30 on the 30th' returns

What is “$30 on the 30th”? It’s a fun, local economic stimulus effort. The idea is that local residents spend $30 on local goods or services they wouldn’t normally spend on July 30 — a Friday.

Besides sponsoring the effort, The Star will help by offering low-cost advertising leading up to that day so residents will know where to spend their money. Like last year, merchants will set up special deals on July 30.

Spend $30 on the 30th. It’s really that simple. And — for the second consecutive year — that’s what The Star is asking our readers to do. Spend $30 on July 30.

The newspaper’s effort seeks to jump-start the area’s economy by encouraging consumers to spend $30 they wouldn’t normally spend on local goods and services on July 30, a Friday.

In doing so, you will inject money and confidence into the area’s economy, things that are particularly needed in the wake of the gulf oil spill that has impacted tourism and other aspects of the local business climate.

“Last year this was successful for the business community because our readers embraced it,” said The Star Publisher Karen Hanes. “Customers saved money by taking advantage of the deals offered by participating businesses, and the businesses saw an increase in traffic.  The feedback from everyone was positive enough that we’re pleased to do it again.”

Acting on feedback from the first $30 on the 30th, the newspaper has made some improvements.

Because so many businesses participated, readers asked for more time to plan their purchases.

So this year, to help increase exposure and lead time, businesses have the option of placing low-cost advertisements in The Star on two days — today and next week.

The ads will promote the deals participating businesses are offering on July 30.

A $30 purchase on a single day might seem insignificant considering the numerous forces impacting the economy in Northwest Florida and elsewhere.

But if every adult in Bay and surrounding counties spends an extra $30 on July 30, that will inject millions into the area’s economy. That money in turn comes back in the form of paychecks for you and your neighbors.

While this effort won’t eliminate the area’s economic woes, it will definitely help. Consumer spending on goods or services makes up a significant percentage of the overall economy, and that spending is the lifeblood of small and large businesses that make up our employment base.

The Star will keep readers in the loop as July 30 approaches. In the meantime, think of something nice to buy for yourself or a loved one on the 30th.