FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Heather Allebaugh, 407.246.3423
              Cassandra Lafser, 407.246.2182

Orlando Mayor Dyer Encourages Residents to Buy Local Orlando this Holiday Season

ORLANDO, Fla. - (November 25, 2009) - With Black Friday just around the corner, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is encouraging holiday shoppers to Buy Local Orlando for all their holiday needs this season. Buy Local Orlando offers many opportunities for consumers to keep the season bright by taking advantage of special offers and discounts at more than 300 participating merchants located in the City of Orlando.

Here are a few ways consumers can use the Buy Local Orlando card this holiday season:

• Get a head start on holiday shopping and take advantage of savings on items such as books, jewelry, electronics, clothing and unique gifts. For example, Buy Local Orlando consumers receive $10 off any $50 regular priced purchase at Stewart Jewelry or 30% off regular priced merchandise at Forty VII Clothing.
   
• Savor dinner at one of Buy Local Orlando’s dining establishments and enjoy a free dessert with any lunch or dinner entrée at The Greek Corner or a free cocktail, beer or wine with the purchase of an entrée at The Tap Room at Dubsdread.
   
• Indulge in savings on personal care services such as a manicure, pedicure or post-holiday shopping massage or a $20 discount on a haircut and color at Ego Lab Salon & Lifestyle Boutique.
   
• Entertain friends or family with an evening out on the town enjoying discounts at local venues. Buy Local Orlando consumers receive $5 off each ticket to opening weekend performances of A Christmas Carol at the Theatre Downtown; up to 20% discount on tickets to Broadway performances such as RENT and The Phantom of Opera, presented by FAIRWINDS Broadway Across America-Orlando and exclusive discounts on tickets to Orlando Magic games.

Buy Local Orlando cards are available for FREE at participating merchants, City Hall, the Downtown Information Center, the Disney Entrepreneur Center or by printing one from the website, www.buylocalorlando.net.

“When consumers choose to buy locally this holiday season, those dollars are spent over and over again in our community,” said Mayor Dyer. “Local businesses drive our local economy by creating jobs and opportunities for our residents.”

The Buy Local Orlando campaign is a pro-active and practical approach for connecting the businesses of Orlando with the buying power of the local community.

For a complete list of participating Buy Local Orlando merchants and holiday specials, check out www.buylocalorlando.net.