Civic and community leaders from across Northeast Florida have joined together to support “904 Day”, a campaign to rally support for local businesses on Saturday, September 4, 2021 (9/04).
Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to support all things local over
Labor Day Weekend — from one-of-a-kind shops and independent restaurants,
to attractions and destinations that contribute to Northeast Florida’s unique
quality of life.
904 Day has been celebrated as a grassroots movement for several years, with
Northeast Florida residents, organizations and companies alike showing their
support by tagging posts with #904Day on September 4.
Melissa Ross, host and producer of “First Coast Connect” and “The Florida
Roundup” on WJCT Public Media, saw an opportunity to expand the concept’s
visibility after witnessing widespread support for similar campaigns in other
Florida cities, such as Orlando (407 Day) and Miami (305 Day).
Additional campaign partners for 904 Day include Downtown Vision, the nonprofit
Business Improvement District for Downtown Jacksonville; the JAX Chamber, the
not-for-profit chamber of commerce that serves members across Northeast
Florida; Visit Jacksonville, the city’s official Destination Marketing
Organization (DMO); the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which
connects and promotes Hispanic-owned and operated businesses; and Wingard, a
Jacksonville-based marketing and communications agency.
“The conversation started on social media, which has become an even more
important way for people to find information about local businesses during the
pandemic,” said Ross. “Our collective goal in launching the 904 Day
campaign is to shine a light on these businesses in a fun, celebratory way.
Whether you are a longtime resident or just visiting for Labor Day weekend, we
hope you’ll seek out local businesses on Saturday, September 4.”
904 Day celebrates all local businesses, especially small ones. According to
the Small Business Administration, Florida has more than 2.7 million small
businesses — representing 99.8% of businesses across the state. As
Northeast Florida’s population continues to grow, these independent ventures
are critical to creating jobs on the First Coast.
“Local businesses are the heartbeat of our community, as well as our economy,”
said Ben Johnson, President of Martin Coffee Company and the JAX Chamber’s 2020
Overall Small Business Leader of the Year. “Supporting independent shops,
restaurants, destinations and organizations on 904 Day — and every day — is
vital to maintaining Northeast Florida’s reputation as a great place to live,
work and play.”
Business owners, residents and visitors can participate in the campaign by
tagging their social media photos and posts with #904Day. Campaign graphics are
available for download at bit.ly/904Day2021.
About Downtown Vision: Downtown Vision is a not-for-profit organization
revitalizing Downtown through clean and safe initiatives, experience creation,
marketing and information management. Created by commercial property owners
through a self-assessment and governed by a board representing Downtown
property owners, DVI administers a 90-block Business Improvement District. For
more information, visit dtjax.com/dvi.
About Visit Jacksonville: Visit Jacksonville is a Destinations
International accredited Destination Marketing Organization contracted by the
Duval County Tourist Development Council (TDC) to champion the growth of
business and leisure tourism in Jacksonville. For a closer look at all there is
to see and do in Jacksonville, go to www.VisitJacksonville.com or contact 800-733-2668.
About the JAX Chamber: The JAX Chamber is the business membership organization
dedicated to driving quality economic growth in Northeast Florida to make this
region the best place to live, work and play. Membership provides the
opportunity to connect with and buy from other Chamber members. The connections
result in business growth and a more prosperous economy.
About the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: The First Coast
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is Northeast Florida’s premier Hispanic Chamber.
We strive to establish and encourage better Hispanic-owned and operated
businesses by looking for opportunities to foster an understanding of Hispanic
heritage on the First Coast. For more information, visit fchcc.com.
