Money for Something

Eat some gyros. Catch a flick. Splurge for a new 'do.

All three are easy options for spending an extra $20 on Aug. 22. The Appeal-Democrat aims to give an economic boost to Yuba, Sutter and Colusa counties with a do-it-yourself stimulus plan called "$20 on the 22nd" that asks residents to spend an extra $20 on goods and services Aug. 22.

"When times get tough, you have to take things into your own hands," said Publisher Dave Schmall. "If everyone spent $20, that would pump an additional $2.5 million into the economy."

More than 50 area businesses have signed up with the Appeal-Democrat to participate and offer promotions Aug. 22.

Fotine HalikasKopriva, owner of Fotine's Simply Greek Cafe, hopes the campaign might bring in some new customers to learn about her business, food offerings and upcoming five-year anniversary celebration. On Aug. 22, her customers will receive 20 percent off any purchase over $20.

"I just think people need to know the economy is still tough, but it's not as bad as everybody says it is," HalikasKopriva said. "I think there is still opportunity to try something new, feed your family well, enjoy going and have something different at the same time.

And every little bit of business makes a difference, she said.

"It only takes five people spending 20 bucks to spend $100," HalikasKopriva said. "And that makes a huge difference at the end of the day for merchants."

Community spending is important, but the message behind $20 on the 22nd is even greater, said Laura Nicholson, executive

director of the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce. The money residents spend continues to circulate, supports local businesses and generates sales tax revenue that pays for safety, infrastructure and recreation.

"Anything we do to promote the importance of spending sales tax money at home is just critical to our community," she said. "We all have to live and eat and buy gas, so we can all do this and help out the community."

The Appeal-Democrat is offering businesses $20 advertisements to showcase products and specials. The ad rate is actually a discount of about 75 percent, said Debbie Baggett, advertising and marketing director for the Appeal-Democrat.

Any financial gain the newspaper might receive for $20 on the 22nd will be only an added boost, Schmall said.

"We are really not doing it to make a buck right now," he said. "We are doing it to invest in our community. It's so businesses can stay in business."

Schmall plans to spend his extra cash on a movie and a bite to eat.

"I'm thinking a little injection of comedy might be good," he said. "And maybe I'll splurge on an extra-large popcorn."

Residents in need of a new hairdo or a trim can get 20 percent off any service at Rosemary Brink Hair & Wig Styling. Owner Rosemary Brinks said she is hoping $20 on the 22nd might draw in some needed business.

"If they like what they get, they might come back," she said. "Return business is where it is at."

The Yuba-Sutter area definitely needs some sort of economic stimulus, Brinks said.

"Look at our unemployment rate," she said. "We need all the help we can get."

Yuba-Sutter's June jobless rate was 18 percent. Colusa County was at 17.6 percent.

The $20 on the 22nd will also be promoted interactively on the Appeal-Democrat Web site. Readers can join conversations about how they will spend their money, enter to win $20 and see merchants' shopping specials.

"People feed off other people," said Courtney Lopez, Internet operations director for the Appeal-Democrat. "Hopefully people will get excited and get inspired, as well as ideas on what to buy."

Kristi Goldby, co-owner of Headlines Salon & Spa, is excited to participate and plans to offer 20 percent off any retail purchase or service of $50 or more.

"We are a small business and I think the more each of us can do to keep money in our own community, the better off we all will be," she said.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Ashley Gebb at 749-4724 or agebb@appealdemocrat.com.