This week, Albany County and city leaders joined Local First of the Capital Region in declaring a celebration of “Independents.”
The celebration honors local independent businesses - literally thousands of them - participating in the week-long observance. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy gave his support to the initiative, issuing a proclamation declaring July 1-7 Independent Businesses Week - Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy issued a similar proclamation. Melanie Beam, president of the small business advocacy organization Local First of the Capital Region, says local businesses embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and individuality in our community.
“Local First of the Capital Region is joining other local alliances and partner organizations nationwide--thousands of independent business owners and citizens who are participating in Independents Week—to celebrate our great independent businesses who exemplify the uniqueness of this region,” said Beam. “We have a reason to celebrate—these friends and neighbors embody the spirit of entrepreneurism and individuality in our community. Our citizens are integral to ensuring we keep these businesses that help define who we are and contribute to our sense of place.”
