A new tour encouraging folks to explore and support local businesses at the same time is coming to Vandergrift.
The Tour of Vandergrift, organized by the Vandergrift Business Association, a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to promoting business growth and unity in the borough and surrounding areas, is co-sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank and the Vandergrift Volunteer Fire Department.
The event runs Sept. 16-19.
Participating businesses include Sweetlane Chocolate Shop, Tees-N-Tops, Ianni’s Pizzeria, Full Circle, Pugliese Flowers, Apollo Replacement Windows, Allusion Brewing Co., Lydia Leighs Salon and Pomfrets Paints and Card Shop.
“We want to start showing the businesses in the area that we’re a nonprofit focused on benefiting and growing new and existing businesses,” said VBA President Robert Buchanan. “The businesses are excited that we’re doing this.”
The association formed in April and so far more than a dozen local businesses have joined.
Participants are invited to visit each business, receive a treat and answer a trivia question about each business on a provided card.
Completed cards must be returned to Allusion Brewing located at 143 Grant Ave. by 3 p.m. Sept. 19 for a chance to win a grand prize basket. All participating businesses are donating a gift card to be included in the basket.
A winner will be picked after 3 p.m. Sept. 19.
Todd Sterlitz, owner of Pugliese Flowers and Gifts, is donating a $50 gift card from his flower shop that’s been operating in Vandergrift for 45 years.
He said he chose to participate because he believes small, local businesses need to unify in order to prosper.
“Vandergrift is rebounding and I want to be a part of it,” Sterlitz said. “It’s very important because the grassroots efforts of businesses themselves working together will help to bring back small-town America.”
VBA membership is open to all area businesses and dues cost $100 annually or a business may choose a six-month membership for $50.
For more information on the event or to join, go to vandergriftbusiness.org.