EDITORIAL: Local Business Boom

We applaud the University'sWe applaud the University'sefforts to invest in WestWe applaud the University'sefforts to invest in WestPhiladelphia.We applaud the University'sefforts to invest in WestPhiladelphia.______________________________For three years the Purchasing Department's West Philadelphia Business Initiative has strategically allocated its $150 million budget to strengthen local businesses. By increasing the University's purchases from local businesses, rather than anonymous corporations, this effort is an excellent first step toward cementing a true economic partnership with the local community, and serves as a symbol that Penn is willing to invest in its surroundings. Spending its money in the area around campus may not immediately benefit the University, but will clearly help revitalize the neighborhood. Local investment will hopefully spur job growth and lead to increased employment for West Philadelphia citizens. Such an improved economic situation may provide enough incentive to motivate other businesses to invest in, or even relocate to, West Philadelphia. The program has already increased local investment by almost $5 million in just one year. As the second largest employer in Philadelphia, with massive purchasing power, the University has taken the first step to strengthen the local community. We encourage the administration to continue this noble pursuit and hope that area businesses will participate, so that the University and the community can both work together to rebuild our neighborhood.