Officials kick off ‘Shop Local-Buy Local' campaign

WARWICK - Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt joined members of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce as well as elected officials from the Town of Warwick to launch her “Shop Local, Buy Local” campaign for this holiday season. The event was held in Frazzleberries Country Store in the Village of Warwick. “Large corporate stores are steamrollering their way into our quiet communities,” said Rabbitt, “and as they do, our local businesses are unable to compete. But this holiday season you can help fight back. I am encouraging area residents to spend time in our local stores as they search for that ideal holiday gift. This is how together we can boost our economy and help lower taxes.” Joining Rabbitt were Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard, Village of Greenwood Lake Mayor Barbara Moore, Village of Florida Mayor James Pawlizchek, Orange County Chamber of Commerce President John D’Ambrosio, Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Johndrow, Goshen Chamber of Commerce President Pip Klein and Pine Island Chamber of Commerce President Cheetah Haysom. “We can’t drive through our towns and villages and see empty stores,” said Rabbitt. “I love New York but I will buy local.” That message was echoed by local mayors and chamber executives. Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton suggested that residents should try to fill their Christmas list locally before traveling outside the area. Florida Mayor James Pawlizchek recalled that he recently changed his mind about traveling to a mall for a coffeepot. He found just what he wanted at Werner’s, a local store, for a very reasonable price.