StayLocal Press and News
A few articles from newspapers, magazines, and journals on the state of local businesses in New Orleans and across the nation.
StayLocal Hosts Disaster Response Communication Tool
As New Orleanians prepare for the 2024 hurricane season, StayLocal reminds local business owners to subscribe to B.Alert, the two-way text communication system provides essential information on available resources and support to local business owners in the aftermath of a hurricane. Read more here.
New Orleans Businesses Host Small Business Saturday
Nov 1, 2023
Read the full press release here.
StayLocal Fox Business Feature
Feb 16, 2023
StayLocal got a mention in a Fox Business story about the success of small businesses following the pandemic.
"When we're choosing local, we're reinvesting in our local community," said StayLocal Program Manager Maryann Miller. "The figures show that just even two and three times recirculating those dollars locally really strengthens an economy."
Read the full article: Small businesses experiencing post-pandemic boom despite tough economy
The Art of Gifting Local
Need some ideas for shopping local? Buying handmade and one of a kind items is becoming more popular at the holidays. Listen to this podcast as Jeanne Nathan and Maryann Miller discuss finding neighborhood based businesses to shop for gifts. Via Soundcloud here:
Report: N.O. Business Owners Cautiously Optimistic Despite Challenges
August 23, 2022
Earlier this year, StayLocal held a 2-hour focus group with a selection of New Orleans business owners with restaurant, retail, and service-oriented businesses. StayLocal then published the results in the 2022 StayLocal Focus Group Report.
The report is a collection of the business owners' pain points and hopes for the future that explores diverse topics related to the impact of disasters, from the impacts on business operations to the impacts on the mental health of the business owners.
StayLocal’s findings revealed that business owners are in need of an effective communication system to share pertinent information in the midst of hurricanes and other disasters.
In response to these findings, StayLocal has developed a two-way texting system for business owners. Owners will be able to receive and share important information about revised hours of operation or location, goods and services they can provide to sheltering citizens, and avenues for business-to-business collaboration to improve reopening times. Business owners and others can register for this no-cost service here.
Read the full press release at Biz New Orleans.
$5.5M Groundbreaking on MLK Jr. Blvd. Update
Aug 16, 2022
In a press release today, Mayor Cantrell addressed the ongoing Patch Mill Overlay project on MLK Jr. Blvd, the scope of which includes repaving the road, repairing sidewalks, adding curb ramps and high-visibility crosswalks, and installing protected bike lanes.
Cantrell offered praise for the businesses being affected by the MLK Jr. Blvd. revamping, assuring them that the future benefits would outweigh the present inconveniences.
StayLocal’s Maryann Miller was quoted in the press release:
“Helping businesses continue to operate smoothly during planned interruptions, like the resurfacing, safety and transportation improvements on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard., is one way to keep our local businesses here, providing services and products that keep local dollars recirculating through New Orleans’ economy. StayLocal is excited that this resurfacing project will increase access for people who walk, ride a bike, take the bus or drive their cars to these Central City businesses, and to the rest of the city – inviting residents and visitors to return to dine and shop here again and again.”
-Maryann Miller, Staylocal Program Manager
You can read the full press release here.
Local Shopping for Your Fallidays
StayLocal’s Maryann Miller was featured in the September 2021 issue of New Orleans magazine. The Shop Local article begins on page 30, and you can find Maryann’s quote on page 31.
The Importance of Supporting Local — For holiday season 2020, there’s an upswell in the number of consumers helping businesses suffering from pandemic setbacks to gain ground. Listen to StayLocal’s Maryann Miller as she talks with Rich Collins.
Locals Supporting Locals — Are you a small business looking for help? StayLocal is an invaluable resource. By Keith Twitchell
Outdoor Dining is Here to Stay! StayLocal’s French Market Parklet (now relocated) is a first-of-its-kind demonstration of how businesses can activate streetscapes and enliven neighborhoods while following social distancing protocols. StayLocal and Urban Conservancy recently partnered with French Market Corporation, French Market Place businesses, and Greater New Orleans Foundation to launch the demonstration parklet. See the press release here.
The Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce launch Spend Local JP in 2020. Find expert advice from Jefferson Parish business owners on how to maximize online marketing efforts here.