Jonathan Puskas

Racers,

The greatest challenge to closing downtown streets is

the potentially negative effects to local businesses.



Often, these businesses are assured that an event

"will improve business." For boutique businesses,

that is true. However, for commodities, that is not

always the case.



In order to throw the Lake Oswego Criterium, we've

completely encircled access to a small, local grocery

store called Wizer's Grocery.



Gene Wizer (the proprietor) has been a wonderful

supporter of the local community for decades (he gave

me my first job). However, the grocery business

operates on tremendously tight margins (usually around

3%) and our race will prevent some of his customers

from accessing the business.



If we hope to have a criterium in Lake Oswego (and I

think we'll want to) in the future, I'd implore, beg,

and cojole ALL of you to do your weekly grocery

shopping at Wizer's Grocery on 1st and "A" Street in

downtown Lake Oswego on Sunday. You can't miss the

store because we're racing around it.



Just think, you'll need groceries next week. Your

decision to buy groceries at Wizer's this weekend may

very well ensure we can have this race next year.



I hope you all agree and SHOP Wizer's (making sure to

say "Thank You") on Sunday.



Cheers,

Jonathan C. Puskas

Lakeside/NW Velo



=====

Jonathan C. Puskas

159 Fifth Street

Lake Oswego, OR 97034

impu-@yahoo.com



"If you're gonna charge...charge hard!"



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