Mayor Richard Edwards proclaimed this week as Not In Our Town Week at the Bowling Green city council meeting Monday night.
As a recognition of the second anniversary of NIOT in Bowling Green, Edwards issued a proclamation that Nov. 12 through Nov. 21 is Not In Our Town week and is filled with several activities within the city.
Edwards said that Bowling Green was named as one of five Gold Star Cities in the nation in 2014, and he accredited the accomplishment to the great work done by NIOT representatives from both the city and University.
“We have to keep working to make sure that we have the right kind of environment for the people coming to the community and who live here,” Edwards said.
Part of the proclamation read, “We proclaim with one voice that hate, bigotry and bias are not welcome in our city.”
Planning Director Heather Saylor and official NIOT city representative said that the United Way window is decorated to celebrate NIOT and is selling NIOT T-shirts, which can also be found at the Campus Bookstore.
“It’s really exciting to get that visibility in the city,” Saylor said.
In addition to NIOT events this week, city council discussed events to celebrate the holidays.
“You’ve probably seen that the Downtown BG Elves have been hard at work decorating our downtown,” Municipal Administrator Lori Trettor said.
This Friday night will be the official tree lighting at the Wood County Public Library at 7 p.m. The next morning, Saturday, at 10 a.m will be the annual holiday parade.
Another of Edwards’ proclamations included the importance of the city’s local businesses. He invited Downtown Bowling Green Executive Director Barbara Ruland to explain why he would proclaim Saturday, Nov. 28, as Small Business Saturday for the fourth year.
“It’s vitally important that people support the small businesses that support their community,” Ruland said.
Ruland said that statistically, for every dollar you spend at a locally-owned, independent retailer, 43 cents stays in the community. At a national chain, only 15 cents stays in the community, and when shopping online, no money stays within the community.
To promote Small Business Saturday, Bowling Green is hosting Downtown Dollars Day, where $1000 will be given away in gift cards and certificates to locally-owned businesses. Residents who shop or eat at downtown businesses on Small Business Saturday will have the opportunity to enter and win one of the four $250 awards.
Mayor Edwards also proclaimed Tuesday, Nov. 17, as Battle of I-75 Day.
