CITY OF OAKLAND PARK HARNESSES THE ECONOMIC POWER OF ITS COMMUNITY
The City of Oakland Park is spearheading the roll out of an exciting new campaign called “Find it in Oakland Park” to support local businesses. The purpose of this campaign is to spur a movement among residents to dine and shop within their own community. With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic now entering its third month, Oakland Park businesses have been significantly impacted. However, there is power in community. If every resident chooses to purchase their services and products from local establishments, there is a much higher chance that Oakland Park businesses will survive this economic downturn.
“Oakland Park residents carry a great deal of pride about individuality and uniqueness of the city, now more than ever we need to raise awareness about our small businesses, they need our support and they need us to keep as much money in our community as we can. I believe if we harness it, our residents and businesses have the economic power to bring back our local economy”, says Mayor Matthew Sparks.
The Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency (OPCRA) will collaborate citywide with local business owners to promote the new campaign and incentivize residents to dine and shop locally. Special attention will be given to small businesses, as they contribute to the one-of-a-kind uniqueness of Oakland Park.
The OPCRA will provide free marketing for its local businesses via social media, print, and email. One of the ways the City is making it easy for residents to Find it in Oakland Park is by providing an easy-to-use interactive GIS map of local businesses. The map, featured on the Dine and Shop page of www.opcra.com, allows users to search for businesses by product or service categories an obtain up to date information about new hours of operation. The City will also relax requirements to allow current business to expand their square footage by having outdoor seating and retail space to safely welcome more clients. Find it in Oakland Park will partner with local businesses to provide incentives to residents who support local merchants and promote social engagement and pride though its #livelikealOAKl tagline.
“I am proud of this initiative”, says Vice Mayor Jane Bolin, “Oakland Park residents are resilient and they are committed to their local coffee shop, salon, or community drug store, and I am positive that they will show that commitment with their wallets when they can.”
For more information on the “Find it in Oakland Park” campaign visit www.opcra.com or contact the Oakland Park Community Redevelopment Agency at OPCRA@oaklandpakfl.gov.