Neighbors helping neighbors—that’s what it’s all about.
District 1 Councilman James Tate knows this more than anyone.
To serve his constituents and to increase economic activity in the district, Tate created Cash Flash, part of his DI$COVER D1 Initiative. If flash mob comes to mind, you’re not too far off. Cash Flashes are designed for residents to support neighborhood businesses for a set period of time, usually one night. The unique events are having an effect already.
“There is no cost to the business, but lots of awareness. It’s an incentive to get people there,” says Aaron Hall, City Liaison for Councilman Tate’s office and a coordinator for the initiative.
Cash Flashes are designed for residents to support neighborhood businesses for a set period of time, usually one night.
On Wednesday, October 25, District 1 will be at it again. The Garden Bug, located at 18901 Grand River, Detroit,will host a Cash Flashfrom 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
“So far, we’ve seen businesses experience a 30 percent increase in profit during the time frame of the event.” – Aaron Hall, City Liaison, Councilman Tate
On offer: fall flowers, hay, pumpkins, corn stalks and, of course, fresh cider and donuts, courtesy of Royal Fresh Market and Elias Donuts, respectively.
Hall knows the value involved for small businesses and the growth that can occur during a Cash Flash.
“So far, we’ve seen businesses experience a 30 percent increase in profit during the time frame of the event,” he says. Hall tells that his office will even shoot video—free of charge—that can be used as an advertisement. The videos then act as the “Business Spotlight,” shown at Tate’s monthly community meetings held every fourth Saturday.
The DI$COVER D1 Initiative is an outgrowth of Tate’s D1 Business Days,where District 1 businesses offer special promotions and discounts to residents who they hoped would think first about shopping—and spending their dollars—close to home.
DI$COVER D1 Initiative also acts as a web-based directory that serves to connect people. Businesses are divided into 11 different categories with contact information and hoursincluded, as well as a Yelp-likeratingsystem. There’s even navigation on the site to find locations accurately.
This will mark the third Cash Flash this year. The last—held at Demi’s Restaurant on Seven Mile—turned out roughly77 people.Hall says over the three years of the program, over 520 people in total have come out in support of local businesses.
For more information, visit Discoverd1.com or contact the office of Councilman James Tate at 313-224-1027 or councilmembertate@detroitmi.gov.
Photo by Michelle & Chris Gerard
Detroit’s Garden Bug shop will host Cash Flash event Oct. 25 added by Cindi Cook on
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