March 25, 2009, Connecticut Post, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Times Shop Local Campaign Gaining Momentum "It's been wonderful because it's getting people to shop locally," said Chris Kilbane, the owner of the New Canaan Toy Store, which joined in November. "Small stores are what make us such a unique town, and Iblast is raising awareness to help these shops."
March 14, 2009, Wealthy Women's Resource Guide Blog Lifestyle Lifters,: Hometown She-roes! There is, however, deeper meaning, and a call to action contained herein. Women of Wealth have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference. Their capacity, when combined with a strong Moral Compass, creates a Social Biography that can influence and motivate others and solve real problems in our society - local and global.
March 2, 2009, All About Fairfield County Give the Gift of Giving in New Canaan "Here’s a gift that keeps on giving, and in an economy that’s forcing many of us to tighten the old purse strings, this idea’s a win all the way around. For $25, you can purchase this classy and sassy little gift card, which entitles the carrier to a bonanza of savings all over town, from over 75 New Canaan merchants, with new merchants joining every day! Here’s a peek at the latest savings and bargains: seriously, you have to see how much this card is worth in steals and deals to believe it."
Mar/Apr 2009, New Canaan Darien & Rowayton Magazine What can we do to help stimulate the local economy? I know you've heard it before, but the simple answer is, shop locally. We love our towns for their unique qualities-- those things that define New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton. A big part of their character is the businesses that line Elm Street, Main Street and other areas of town. These days, mom and pops are struggling under the weight of high rents and decreased foot traffic. Many area merchants live in our communities, and their businesses support our nonprofits, sponsor our sports teams and offer personalized service not found online or in a box store. Your patronage helps keep them here, thus maintaining the towns' character, rather than letting them be overrun by chain stores or empty storefronts. Their presence is probably a big part of what drew you here in the first place. Two New Canaan residents have teamed up to make saving and spending easier. Barbara Davis and Carolyn Williams are behind the Ib.l.a.s.t. ("I Buy Local and Shop in Town") cards that are catching on with just about everyone. Customers purchase a card for $25 and receive special deals and incentives at participating shops. Nonprofit can help their fundraising efforts by selling the cards and keeping a percentage of the price. More than 65 merchants are participating, 600-plus cards have been sold; and 7 nonprofits are fundraising with iblast. Plus, Barbara and Carolyn have started an online local exchange (a la craigslist) that connects you with goods, services and recommendations from other people in the town. February 4, 2009, Shop Rowayton Blog Likes the Ib.l.a.s.t idea!
January 28, 2009, Wouldn't it B Nice Blog Be a Part of the Solution A couple of committed residents in New Canaan, CT, came up with a brilliant idea that’s making a difference: the I.BLAST card. I.BLAST stands for “I Buy Local And Shop in Town.” Living in a small town myself (with an even smaller town center than New Canaan), this was just the message I needed to hear. Frequenting a small, independent shop sometimes costs a little more, but the upside is so worth it.
January 21, 2009, New Canaan Advertiser New Canaan connects through social networking December, 18, 2008, New Canaan Advertiser Local moms 'blast' economic woes
December 18, 2008, New Canaan News Review Card helps Shoppers and Merchants Alike
