In collaboration with the SIEDC and the support of Councilman Vincent Ignizio, we have produced a commercial for the South Shore Merchant Program – which is promoting the local business of Annadale, Eltingville and Great Kills. How often do you leave the island to purchase the same products that are being sold by your neighbors next store? In a tough economy like today’s, we should all keep this is mind. Are you a business owner? Do you have friends and family who are business owners? This still affects you. The less productive Staten Island is, the less commerce you have on Staten Island, the less jobs there are for Staten Islanders, the less options you have to purchase goods and services, the less improvements will be made to your local community. There is a large ripple effect. We hope we all consider this more often the next time you go shopping.