Oneida kicks off campaign with Windows of Opportunity

Caption: Oneida’s “Windows of Opportunity” were revealed on Wednesday. The Oneida Downtown Business Association hopes to promote events and the areas overall appeal. (Photo by Ramona Persaud).

By Ramona Persaud

(Oneida – Nov. 25, 2009) It’s a common story in small towns, a few independent businesses and retail shops scattered amidst vacant lots and deserted streets in the downtown core. Patronage of the stores has shifted to the big-box stores on the outskirts of town, promising one-stop shopping from groceries to trinkets.

However, downtown business owners in Oneida are taking matters into their own hands. In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever does.” Area residents and visitors are urged to come downtown and check out the “Windows of Opportunity.”

The first project for the Oneida Downtown Business Association and produced by Shannon Crandall, a downtown business owner and artisan, the Windows of Opportunity are designed to showcase downtown Oneida businesses, promote local events, and the overall appeal of Oneida’s work/live/play community.

“We want people to see that downtown does have a place in our day-to-day lives. There are unique stores, great services, cafés. It’s all here,” said Terry Karst, chairman of the Oneida Downtown Business Association, a group of independent business owners, politicians, entrepreneurs, and concerned citizens, committed to revitalizing the downtown business corridor and overall business climate in Oneida through partnership and fostering community spirit.

The group hopes the Windows of Opportunity project will incent residents and consumers in general, to lend their patronage to downtown businesses.

As Crandall unveiled the last window promoting the Oneida area, she passionately stated, “At one point Oneida’s downtown boasted over 36 independent retail establishments. We are looking to set the stage for the next wave and we need the community’s support to make this happen.”

The Windows of Opportunity are on display on Main Street between Phelps and Madison Street, as well as at La Vie Boheme on Madison Street in Oneida.

Oneida kicks off campaign with Windows of Opportunity

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