East Louis, IL (July 12, 2018) –In an effort to celebrate and support local East St. Louis businesses, Mayor Emeka Jackson continues her #ESTLPROUD Initiative within the community. From 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sunday, July 15, 2018, Mayor Hicks invites citizens to shop at the Save-A-Lot Grocery Store located at 10 Vieux Carre Drive, East St. Louis, Illinois 62203.
Monthly, through the Mayor's Initiative, promotional events are held at various businesses to encourage individuals from the East St. Louis metropolitan area to patronize East St. Louis based businesses. Mayor Jackson-Hicks stated, "The #ESTLPROUD Initiative provides a unique opportunity to increase spending in the community, celebrate local assets, build community among residents, and shape the narrative around East St. Louis. Visiting Save-A-Lot will be our fourth (4th) event,” said Jackson-Hicks.
Save-A-Lot is owned by Robert Bonner and is one of the few black owned grocery stores in the country. Bonner stated, "As a result of recent construction that took place on Illinois Route, 157, our sales were heavily impacted. We appreciate the efforts of the Mayor to help us to get back on track and to ensure our doors remain open. The churches, and citizens have really pulled together to offer help as well, and they too are appreciated,” concluded Bonner.
Mayor Jackson-Hicks expressed her satisfaction with the quality of service and food at Save-A-Lot. She said, “Save-A-Lot is known for their fresh produce and fresh meat which is cut daily by the stores butchers. At 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, shoppers are also asked to also bring extra cash to purchase ice cream which will be provided by Pirtle's Ice Cream, another East St. Louis business,” concluded Mayor Jackson-Hicks.