Our directory of local businesses is almost ready for its initial launch.  Thank you for all your help – please continue to submit listings after the launch.  This site will be a constant work in progress and we are relying on all of you to help us populate it.

One other noteworthy items from the Siena poll.  Apparently, more than half of New Yorkers prefer to hear “Merry Christmas” this year.

So, Merry Christmas!

The Capital Region Independent Business Alliance

What’s the challenge?  Make Black Friday GREEN! Take the holiday dollars you plan to spend this year – especially on Black Friday – and focus on spending them with local retailers and restaurants. We’re creating a free, on-line directory of local retailers and restaurants at CapitalRegion.com, so whether you’re a retailer or a consumer – we want to hear from you today at CapitalRegion.com!  Its free, it’s easy, and it’s waiting for you now.

Consumers – Fill our our on-line form for consumer information, and we will notify you as local shopping info develops this Christmas.

Retailers – Fill out our on-line form for retailers, and we will add your information free of charge.

How does this make the day Green, you ask?  Great question!  This works for all of us in two big ways.

For the economy – Green is also the color of money, right? Every dollar we spend at locally owned, independent businesses returns 3 times more money to our local economy than one dollar spent at a chain or a big box giant.

The bottom line is this – how your spend your money makes a real difference for all of us, no matter who you are.  Take five minutes today and do your part at CapitalRegion.com.

Consumer confidence levels in October of 2009 are actually nearly 30% higher than they were in October 2008.  One would hope this is good news for local merchants in the Capital Region.  Last year was certainly a very difficult Christmas season for all retailers, especially in Upstate New York.  But, we cannot ignore the fact that consumer confidence was so very low last year that things should be looking up for 2009 Christmas shopping based on the current levels in the SRI poll.

At CRIBA, we encourage you to buy your gifts from locally owned independent businesses whenever you can.  Don’t fall for the myth that the local guy is always more expensive.  The Capital Region is loaded with many innovative retailers that sell quality products at competitive prices.

November 4th Press Release from the Retail Council of NYS

So, how does that make Black Friday Green?  Two ways.  First, green is the color of money.  Money spent at locally owned businesses creates 3 times the return in the local economy than dollars spent at chains.  Second, independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.  What’s greener than that?

“But, it’s hard to find the gifts I want to buy at local businesses,” you say in, let’s be honest, a whiny tone.  Not any more, we are launching a local directory just in time for Christmas shopping on Nov 23rd – 4 days before Black, I mean, Green Friday at CapitalRegion.com.

“But, how can I help?” you ask, now in a much better tone.  Go to www.capitalregion.com.  If you are a retailer, send us your info to make sure we include in our directory.  If you are a consumer, just sign up to receive alerts and other updates.  Follow us on Twitter.  Find us on Facebook.  Come on people now….

According to the NY Times account, there were approximately 2,000 shoppers lined up outside the Valley Stream Wal-Mart, some arriving as early as 3:30 a.m. Nassau County police had been called to the scene to attempt crowd control. The assembled mass was akin to “rabble.” Just before 5 a.m., “Suddenly, witnesses and the police said, the doors shattered, and the shrieking mob surged through in a blind rush for holiday bargains.” Damour was flung to the floor by the force with which these waiting shoppers plowed into the store. Other employees were also sent flying, and some shoppers – including a 28-year-old pregnant woman – were injured as well.

Okay, let that sink in for a moment. Picture the scene, the horror of it. Throngs of human beings rushing a building like animals after blood, and killing a man with their feet.

Why were some 2,000 people lined up before 5 a.m. outside a Wal-Mart? Why are the low prices so attractive? Why would so many people be so rabid that they would put the safety of themselves and others in jeopardy? Was it life-saving medicine they sought? Were they going after the only supply of food available to them? Did the health and safety of their loved ones depend on something inside of the store? One might expect such a scene in a developing nation where resources are scarce and parents must fight for the survival of their families. At least in that case, the stakes would be at their highest, and a human being might be excused for acting with such desperation. This was not the case yesterday in Valley Stream.

As a business alliance, CRIBA and its members are not in the habit of telling people not to shop. What we encourage is a more responsible and measured approach to consumption. We urge shoppers in the Capital Region and beyond to reject such blind consumerism. We ask that compassion and, dare we say, a dash of humanism be allowed to rule the day. No one needs to be hurt or killed in the pursuit of happiness, even if you believe happiness lies in a new flat-screen television or a new pair of jeans.

NYS Director of the NFIB Mike Elmendorf Speaks to CRIBA group at Capital Bank

The breakfast was well-attended and Mike Elmendorf spoke at length about the recent elections in Albany and what the results will most likely mean for independent businesses over the next six to 12 months. Elmendorf also touched on the national election and how that outcome may effect independent businesses nationally relative to the previously defeated Employee Free Choice Act.

Also discussed was the influence of the Working Families Party in Albany and the current Governor’s push to cut spending. In addition, Elmendorf answered questions regarding unions, the disappearance of manufacturing jobs and the current status of workers’ comp in NYS.

One of John Ray’s 5,000-gallon fuel trucks was painted pink, and 1 cent from every gallon the truck delivers will be donated. Ken’s wife, Fran, is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. We congratulate Ken and Fran for their service to the community. They are a shining example of the positive impact a business owner can make.

The annoucement was covered here in the Troy Record.

Pulled from the announcement on his site:

The new season kicked off this past Monday, September 29th. If you’ve missed us, it’s because we moved to 12:00 noon. Our “ratings” were pretty good last season (meaning a lot of people are watching), so Fox23 gave us an improved time slot!

But did you know, you can see the show in it’s entirety, rebroadcast at 8:00 p.m. on digital cable channel 423? That’s right- you can catch us twice each day.

Also, if you get a chance, check out some of the bloopers and behind the scenes stuff here on the web site. And, if you have an idea for a fun and interesting show, let us know.

Coming up, I have some great guests, like Dr. Nina Marinello, my friend, who begins this summer as sports nutritionist for University at Albany athletics.