I just learned that outdoor/sporting goods retailer REI is considering opening a store in Pittsburgh and would choose either a location in the Southside or in East Liberty near Whole Foods for this new store. ELDI (East Liberty Development, Incorporated) has set up an email address to receive letters of support for opening the store in East Liberty: To: reilos@mindspring.com Cc: becky@friendship-pgh.org Please send your messages of support to *both* addresses and DO SO BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31 AT 11:00 am! (Sorry for the late notice, but I only found out about this today!) Local community groups such as ELDI, the HPCDC (Highland Park Community Development Corporation), and FDA (Friendship Development Association) support opening the new store in the East End, and are looking for your support in convincing the company to do so. Becky Mingo of FDA suggests sending a proper letter mentioning your interest in the store and preference for an East End location over one in the Southside. If you are arealdy a member of REI, mention that. If you shop at Whole Foods and think adding another successful business in East Liberty would be good for the whole East End would be good--mention that too! If you want to learn more about REI, visit their web site and on-line store: <http://www.rei.com/> Would you like to see this store in the East End? If so, write your letter of support to the addresses listed above! Send any questions to Becky Mingo <becky@friendship-pgh.org>. Rudy