FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spoiled Chics The Boutique Receives 2009 Best of Sewickley Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 — Spoiled Chics The Boutique has been selected for the 2009 Best of Sewickley Award in the Women’s Accessory & Specialty Stores category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org

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It takes a Village....Where are you?

Much to my dismay, I learned again today of another business merchant in the Village who is considering the relocation of his/her business to another area where the rent is commensurate with the potential customer base. Mrs. Basset agrees that “property owners need to face reality that rent charges are too high for the current economy. Rents were established in the 90′s when the GNP was growing 10-20% a year. Now it’s a negative growth yet rent is based on growth that existed in the 90s–they need to adjust rent downward to fit the current economy.”

She also adds the issue of Convenience: “You can’t put a value on commercial business conveniences.”

As a business owner, I’m sure I can speak for my neighboring merchants that we work hard and bring quality products. We try to offer VALUE for your money. We travel to various markets, we work hard to find that value for you.

It takes a community, to support a business district–where are you?

If you care..get plugged in and support the initiative to
Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.

I took a deep breath, said a few prayers, and decided to use my drive to work as quiet time to detox my brain and
let my soul breathe.

I arrived at work, still not feeling like myself, thinking about the viability and life of our own little shop that has become part of this Village. Speaking with other merchants and store owners on the street, the word was out. Another empty storefront. “Did you hear that (this one) is closing at the end of the month?” “So and so is hanging on by a thread..”Depression, Fear, Panic and other negative thoughts set in and ate away at me.

But I choose to pull myself out of the negative aspirations and speak on a positive note.

“Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words….your words become your actions. … your actions become your habits..your habits become your character… your character becomes your destiny..”

Then I found the 350 Project online.
With the last 4 separate customers that came into the store, I began comversation and mentioned the 350 Project and it’s premise of ‘Save 3. Spend $50′ .

They loved it. They each were inspired and took several fliers to pass out to their organizations, friends, other merchants, and then spent $203.71 between the the 4 of them. I joked that they exceeded their commitment, and thanked them for their business.
Not even 20 minutes later, one of my neighboring merchants just came in ecstatic that one of the women who I spoke to, delivered the same flier to him, told him about the promotion and spent $50 at his shop. And this was just over a matter of a couple of hours..imagine what 30 days could do. It works!

It takes one person to start the trend. YOU. Present a Challenge to your community.
If every resident would Select 3 independently owned business that they would miss if they were gone, stop in and say hello, and Spend $50 between the three, over 30 days…a great percentage will go back to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures…plus…it helps to keep these businesses around.

Pick 3. Spend 50. Save Your local economy.

Visit the350Project.net

http://www.the350project.net/supporter_graphics/350_project_web_panel.jpg

Get some great fashion advice from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn and other designers on how to stay fashionable on a budget. Learn everything you need to know on selecting the best color for your skin, hair and personality.

Pantone Fashion Color Report 2009

Update your foundational pieces in your wardrobes with a pop of color. Take your neutrals and add a scarf in burnt sienna. Add a cobalt blue bag to a basic black sheath..and take it a step further with a crisp white men’s shirt under it. Charcoals and purple. love it.

In these economic times, when we’re all trying to make the best of what we have..incorporate color! www.spoiledchics.com

When a friend of mine, Alma Lleras, a former dancer with the American Ballet and now a jewelry designer, invited me to meet her handbag designer friend, I said yes, with trepidation and a little hesitation.

But when she walked into the store and we met for the first time, I knew that we had come upon something special.
Ana Velazquez, born in Canada to Nicaraguan parents and raised in Nicaragua, is a beautiful Latina. Growing up in a creative family, Ana’s mother is a fashion designer, and her grandmother, a jewelry designer.

” I’m inspired by my country, my family and aesthetic pleasures…Nicaragua’s history has produced strong, persistent, loving and hardworking people, people with dreams and a unique perspective of life”…
Like Ana, her bags are works of art, transmitting life, energy, passion, and a postive attitude.

KUERO, meaning ‘leather’ in Spanish, is launching in Pittsburgh, Pa. and is now available at Spoiled Chics the Boutique in Sewickley.
Master Representative, Randy Gray and Associates will roll out the line to other U.S cities beginning in January 2010.

More KUERO pics..