City of Utica, Greater Utica Chamber launch initiative to support local businesses

UTICA, N.Y. — The City of Utica and the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce have announced the #ShopGreaterUtica initiative to support local businesses as they deal with the effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri and Meghan McGrogan, executive director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, made the joint announcement Friday.

The city and the chamber are encouraging people to use #ShopGreaterUtica on social media when supporting any local business “to help spread awareness about this initiative.”

Many local businesses have been “negatively impacted” by the spread of COVID-19, and both officials say “it is important we come together to help them.”

Consumers can visit the chamber’s social distancing guide, https://greateruticachamber.org/help-support-chamber-member-establishments/ for a list of local businesses “they can support.” The website will be updated regularly.

Officials suggest another way the community can promote the #ShopGreaterUtica initiative is by purchasing gift cards from local businesses, either for themselves or for “someone who is experiencing financial hardship.”

“To show solidarity with the entire business community,” the chamber will also promote non-member businesses “at this time.” Business owners who would like to have their business promoted by the Greater Utica Chamber can complete the form on the social distancing guide landing page, located at https://greateruticachamber.org.

Business owners can also contact the U.S. Small Business Administration, (https://www.sba.gov/) and Empire State Development (https://esd.ny.gov/) for assistance that might be available for their business.