STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Verizon Wireless Zone has joined more than 200 Staten Island businesses participating in the VETS Discount Program, an initiative spearheaded by the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation to provide discounts to those who have served our country. <\/p>\n
Local leaders announced the enrollment last month at the newly opened Wireless Zone location at 2935 Veterans Road West. The program, which marks its 15th anniversary this year, allows registered veterans to receive discounts on goods and services at participating businesses across the borough.<\/p>\n
Veterans who present their VETS discount card at any of Wireless Zone\u2019s four Staten Island locations can now receive 30% off accessories, waived activation and upgrade fees, and other discounts. The company operates stores on Veterans Road West, Richmond Road and two Forest Avenue locations.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeeping our veterans connected and supported in the digital age is more important now than ever before,\u201d said Michael Cusick, president and CEO of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, commonly referred to as the SIEDC. \u201cWe will continue expanding this program to honor and support the heroes who protect our freedom every day \u2014 they deserve nothing less.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cusick founded the program 15 years ago during his service as assemblyman for the mid-island\u2019s 63rd District. The initiative has since become a joint partnership between SIEDC, the Office of Borough President Vito Fossella and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n
Fossella said the program reflects two principles: gratitude for veterans\u2019 service and generosity from business owners who give back.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you own a business here and haven\u2019t had the chance, we invite you to give us a call and join this great program, to honor the people who gave their time and put their lives on the line for our country,\u201d Fossella said.<\/p>\n
Linda Baran, president and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that supporting veterans requires year-round commitment beyond Veterans Day recognition.<\/p>\n
The announcement drew members of the veteran community including Gold Star Post Commander Mark Kelly, Steven Shapiro of Rolling Thunder, and veteran advocates including Kathy Barzal and representatives from the Staten Island Giving Circle. Representatives from the offices of state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblyman Michael Reilly also attended.<\/p>\n
Staten Island businesses interested in offering veteran discounts may contact SIEDC at 718-477-1400, ext. 813, or email olivia@siedc.org. Businesses work with SIEDC to determine their discount level and receive a VETS Program logo for their storefront.<\/p>\n