Annual campaign encourages residents and visitors to support Providence’s small business community and creative economy this holiday season
November 19, 2019
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge Elorza today joined City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia, Director of Art, Culture + Tourism Stephanie Fortunato, PLANT CITY owner Kim Anderson, Providence Flea Market Manager, and owner Maria Tocco, local business owners and community members to launch the City’s fifth annual #ThinkPVD campaign. Ahead of Small Business Saturday on November 30, the #ThinkPVD campaign will be encouraging holiday shoppers to give back by supporting the entrepreneurs, restaurants and small businesses that make up Providence’s creative economy.
“We know that every dollar spent at our small businesses is a dollar reinvested in the community, supporting our families and our City’s identity as the Creative Capital,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy and while we shop this holiday season, let’s remember to give back to them. Whether you are interested in our vibrant culinary scene, our unique shops and gifts or sharing a memorable experience with your loved ones that will last a lifetime– Providence has something for you.”
One opportunity for shoppers to #ThinkPVD this holiday season includes unique, year-round discounts at participating businesses through the City’s municipal card system, IDPVD. The card system also applies to local attractions, including Roger Williams Park and the Providence Rink, offering fun seasonal activities. Residents and visitors sharing new experiences with loved ones or purchasing unique gifts from a neighborhood business are encouraged to share the way they #ThinkPVD by using the hashtag on social media.
“During this season of giving I encourage everyone to shop local and to #ThinkPVD. We have some of the best locally operated businesses, some that have been in neighborhoods for decades, and I encourage residents to visit some of these great shops from bakeries to boutiques to find that perfect presents for your friends and family,” City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia stated. “I know I will be doing so on Small Business Saturday, and I hope to see many of you out that day too.”
This year’s #ThinkPVD campaign launch event highlighted a new Providence plant-based food hall and marketplace, PLANT CITY. This local business is one of many establishments across the city encouraging shoppers to explore what it has to offer this holiday season.
“PLANT CITY is proud to have served 200,000 guests in our first five months,” said owner Kim Anderson. “Many of our guests travel to Providence from near and far to enjoy our 3 sit-down restaurants and bars, Cafe & Bakery, Coffee Bar, Marketplace, Annex event space and Community Cellar – hosting events, classes, and speakers. We are partnered with Celebrity chef, Matthew Kenney and offer delicious, elevated plant-based food. PLANT CITY is honored to host the #ThinkPVD press conference.”
The Providence Flea, a vintage and artisan maker market, features hundreds of local artisans, makers and vintage vendors throughout its year-round markets. Recently expanding into Providence’s WaterFire Arts Center for its holiday markets, the Flea’s vendors offer residents and visitors a most unique way to #ThinkPVD.
“Our thriving small-business community is the beating heart of Providence Flea,” said Market Manager and owner Maria Tocco. “That community comprises hundreds of artists, makers and proprietors who create and curate for us all year long. The holiday season is one of the most impactful on the survival of these businesses, especially the smallest among them. Through the #ThinkPVD campaign, we’ll all be reminded that we should ‘buy local’ for the perfect hand-picked gifts from the City’s most skilled makers.”
Director of Art, Culture + Tourism Stephanie Fortunato also highlighted the annual PVD Winter Lights Market and Tree Lighting, hosted in partnership with Eat Drink RI, as another opportunity to #ThinkPVD this holiday season. Returning to Downtown on Friday, December 7, the market and lighting will feature vendors, live music, and so much more. A separate tree lighting ceremony will also be held on Saturday, December 8, at the Providence Rink, offering unique artesian gifts and free, family-friendly activities for residents and visitors of all ages.
As part of the annual #ThinkPVD campaign, Mayor Elorza once again announced that the City will offer up to two hours of free parking in designated commercial districts throughout Providence. Two hours of free parking will be offered every day from 10:00AM until 9:00PM beginning Friday, November 29, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020 in the following commercial districts:
- Atwells Avenue – Bradford Street to Knight Street
- Spruce Street – Dean Street to Acorn Street
- Dean Street – Atwells Avenue to West Exchange Street
- Acorn Street – Spruce Street to Atwells Avenue
- Bradford Street – Atwells Avenue to Jones Street
- Bond Street – Atwells Avenue to Spruce Street
- Broad Street – Public Street to Montgomery Street
- Downtown Providence – bounded by Fountain Street, Memorial Boulevard, Weybosset Street, Empire Street and Friendship Street (from Dyer Street to Dorrance Street)
- Hope Street – Rochambeau Avenue to Blackstone Boulevard
- North Main Street – Thomas Street to Park Row
- Olneyville Square – Route 10 to Sydney Street and Delaine Street to Atwood Street to Magnolia Street
- South Main Street – James Street to Packet Street
- Point Street – From Eddy to East Franklin Street
- Thayer Street – Bowen Street to Waterman Street
- Wayland Square – East Angell Street/Angell Street to Gano Street and Wayland Avenue from Angell Street to Pitman Street
- Wickenden/Ives – Wickenden Street at Benefit Street to Ives Street at Preston Street
While parking meter violations will not be issued during free two-hour parking in the specified districts, parking limits will be enforced to allow all residents to take advantage of the campaign.