ALBANY, NY (09/24/2010)(readMedia)-- As part of the effort by the New York Press Association, the NYS Conference of Mayors and the NYS Economic Development Council for a comprehensive statewide advocacy campaign to urge New Yorkers to spend $25 or more tomorrow, September 25th, with a Main Street business, the Downtown Albany BID reminds Capital Region residents that Downtown Albany is open for local spending. "There are over 70 businesses which are open on weekends in the downtown district, from hair salons, retail stores like Amore and Lodge's, and restaurants from breakfast thru dinner and late night," stated Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. "Nearly ninety percent of these businesses are independent and locally owned so Capital Region residents can feel good about the impact to the local economy when they patronize downtown Albany businesses." Street parking is free in the downtown district after 6pm weeknights and throughout the weekend. For a directory of businesses in the Downtown Albany district, visit the BID website at www.downtownalbany.org.