GAIL SCHMITZ/DFA MEMBER

Tuesday, Aug. 20th, is the kick-off date for a new, on-going event being sponsored by the Downtown Franklin Association. Business owners and citizens are invited to a walking tour of three businesses in Historic Downtown Franklin, scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The event will start at Holmes Automotive and Performance, 101C Jackson Street, move on to Freewheel Bicycle Shop, 101B Jackson Street, and end at Olde Virginia Moulding and Millwork, 100 Jackson Street, where light refreshments will be served and a free gift will be raffled off. At each stop, you can meet the owners, ask questions, tour the business, perhaps see a demonstration, and discover the products and services being offered in your community.

Juanita Richards of Richwood Graphics and Chair of the DFA Economic Restructuring Committee, explains that her committee understands the difficulty of finding time to connect with other businesses while running your own. This extends to the working citizenry of our community as well.

“We want to provide a forum where, in one short hour, people can get to know our businesses, services, and products and be able to support our local downtown with referrals,” she said. “ We hope to continue to showcase two or three businesses monthly. In order for our downtown to prosper and grow, we need the help and support of our entire community.

“We also want to encourage volunteers outside of the DFA membership to assist with and participate in any of our events.”

Many studies show that when you buy from independent, locally owned businesses rather than national chains, significantly more of your money stays circulating in your local community.

Franklin’s local downtown has a lot to offer, said Richards, adding that the more you know about the downtown businesses, the better you will be able to “SHOP-WISE.”

Parking is available at any of the businesses being featured.

For more information, please contact Juanita Richards at 562-3299, or Gayle Schmitz at 516-2660.