Spend $20 on the 20th

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Franklin County business owners are hoping customers spend a little more money this week.
Saturday will be the Franklin County $20 on the 20th challenge which is being sponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, The Franklin County Times and the Red Bay News.
The goal of the challenge is to encourage as many local residents as possible to go out and spend $20 at a local business.
With the current economic crisis seen across the country, the $20 on the 20th challenge could be a big help for Franklin County businesses.
"If people go out and participate and spend $20 on the 20th, I think it can make a big impact all over the county," Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Bradford said.
"Hopefully, people will support it."
Probate Judge Barry Moore agreed the challenge could be positive for local businesses. The county commission and Red Bay city council passed resolutions in support of the effort. The Russellville city council expressed support of the campaign as well, but their council meeting this week was cancelled, therefore, no resolution could be passed.
"If everybody in the county went out and spent $20, that would have a huge impact. It would definitely help the local economy," Moore said.
The $20 on the 20th challenge reaches beyond just one day, however.
Some businesses are hopeful the challenge could bring in new customers who will continue to come back in the future.
"It would definitely be nice to have the traffic in the stores," Bradford said. "The $20 challenge is a good encouragement for people to visit local stores."
While many may consider $20 to be too little to make a big difference, some disagree.
"Just that $20 can make a world of difference," Bradford said. "If just the few people that come through a store all spend $20, it would make a big difference. It could really have a good impact on the community."
With the current economic state, the routine $20 purchases take on even more meaning.
While business owners realize the importance of the $20 on the 20th challenge, they also realize the success of the challenge will depend upon their customers' willingness to participate.
"Hopefully, people will support it and help make a difference. It would help out every body all over the county and add to our local tax dollars, meaning that we are also helping our communities," Bradford said.
"It can really have a significant impact. It coincides perfectly with our Shop Franklin County First campaign that we've had going on for the past year."