August 21, 2002
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville business owners surrounding Vanderbilt University know when the fall semester is about to begin. The signs are everywhere. More traffic along West End and 21st avenues. More foot traffic on sidewalks and in area shops. And more 20-somethings populating neighborhood restaurants, coffee houses and watering holes.
This year, however, local merchants themselves will be signifying the return of students to campus. Roughly two dozen area merchants will welcome back students with the first-ever Vanderbilt “Show Your Gold” banner contest.
From Aug. 22 to 30, Elliston Place, Hillsboro Village, Midtown and West End Avenue merchants will hang banners from their storefronts in an effort to show their appreciation of Vanderbilt students and their families. Participating businesses will custom design their banners with top prizes awarded to the most creative in each of the hotel, restaurant and retail categories.
“We are delighted that these merchants are joining with us to welcome back the thousands of students and parents who mean so much to the University, and to the city,” said Michael J. Schoenfeld, Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs. “They continue to demonstrate why Nashville is the ‘friendliest city in America.’”
The grand prize package includes a $500 check, Vanderbilt merchandise and promotion of the winning banner within the Vanderbilt community. Chancellor Gordon Gee, Vice Chancellor Schoenfeld and Vanderbilt’s Mr. Commodore will deliver the grand prize awards on Sept. 9.
Media contact: Kara Furlong, 615-322-NEWS, kara.c.furlong@vanderbilt.edu