BUILD St. Louis 10% Challenge July 14, 2007

On Saturday, July 14, 2007, BUILD St. Louis invites you to participate in our latest 10% challenge. Can you can spend 10% of your money over the next month at locally-owned independent businesses? It's easier than you think!

To kick-off this installment of the 10% challenge, BUILD St. Louis is partnering with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), a local advocacy organization for public transit, to showcase both the wonderful locally-owned businesses located in Ferguson's Citywalk District and the accessibility of public transportation in St. Louis.

Join us at the Corner Coffee House at 10:15 am where you can hear BUILD St. Louis Executive Director Michael Levinson talk about the benefits of shopping locally and sign up for the 10% challenge, where you'll receive coupons and discounts for local businesses. Afterward, you can enjoy a lively walking tour of the Citywalk District led by CMT tour guide Melanie Harvey, with a stop at the Ferguson Farmers Market and lunch if you choose at El Palenque Mexican Restaurant.

For those wanting to learn more about the ease of public transportation, join us at the Forest Park METRO Station at 9:15 am and Melanie will show us all we need to know (we'll return about 2:30). If you don't have a Metro Pass, be sure to buy a transfer ticket for your visit to Ferguson, and you will need another for the return trip ($1.10/$2.25). Better yet, buy a Day Pass for $4.50 and continue exploring St Louis' unique destinations without parking hassles!

As always, you may join us en route and depart when you wish.

So ... why shop locally? Money spent at local, independent businesses results in 2-3 times the tax revenues compared with the same dollars spent at chains. Because local businesses keep more money in our neighborhoods, they act like community reinvestment machines. The additional revenues they generate pay teachers at public schools, put more police on the streets, and sustain parks and green spaces. Best of all, shopping locally is fun!

"Not many people know that they can shop their way to a better neighborhood," says Michael Levinson. "It's like discovering a guilty pleasure is actually good for you."

For more information about the BUILD St. Louis 10% challenge, call Michael Levinson at (314) 808-8032. For more information about BUILD St. Louis, visit www.buildstlouis.org.

For help using Metro, try the new TripFinder service on-line at www.Metrostlouis.org or call Melanie Harvey at (314) 367-3098. For more information about Citizens for Modern Transit, visit www.cmt-stl.org.

Official Website: http://www.buildstlouis.org