Dear Editor:
For years the Scottsville Community Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) has taken on the responsibility of planting flowers in the downtown business district in the planters scattered throughout the town. Spring and fall plantings have helped keep our town attractive. Age has taken its toll on the old pre-cast cement planters. Many are broken, very few match in design and they do not hold water well. Last year all planters were painted black in an effort to hide their defects and coordinate them with the black lamp posts along Valley Street. Unfortunately, they are still an eyesore.

In August, the SCCC initiated a campaign to secure new planters that are not only aesthetically pleasing but functional. We were hoping to secure a minimum of 12 to place along Valley and Main streets. Due to the cost of the planters and the commitment the chamber has in filling the planters with soil and keeping them filled with flowers the SCCC could not afford to purchase these planters on our own; thus donations from the Scottsville Community were solicited.

After promoting in local media, using direct mail and circulating flyers there has only been a commitment for five planters. We realize the purchase price of $150 is steep, but for those of you who can afford—it is an investment in your community. When trying to increase commerce in a small town and trying to make sure visitors return small things such as cleanliness and appearance make a huge difference. Flowers along the streets bring that extra attractiveness most enjoy. More people on the streets translate to better opportunity for our merchants to draw people into their place of business. More business by our merchants translates into more taxes they pay to Scottsville and more taxes in the town coffers translates to increased services that can be offered to our resident and business communities. Your $150 is a true investment.

I ask your support in this endeavor by the chamber of to enhance Scottsville. More information can be found on our website at http://www.goscottsvilleva.com, or stop by the SCCC office at 375 Valley St. and pick up a flyer or call at (434) 286-6000. The community’s participation in this effort would be greatly appreciated.
Brian F. LaFontaine
President Scottsville Community
Chamber of Commerce