VOA标准英语2013--'Cash Mob' Phenomenon Supports Local Business

'Cash Mob¹' Phenomenon Supports Local Business

What do you get when you mix a store's need for more business with enthusiastic local consumers? A cash mob.
Organized through social media, the phenomenon is based on the concept of a flash mob, where large groups convene² in a public area to perform a dance routine. Instead of showing up to dance, these people show up to spend money. This cash mob was organized by Think Local First DC, a group that works to grow the Washington, D.C. economy. Stacey Price is the group's executive³ director.
"Local businesses are why people stay in a community. They are the character of our community, they give back to our community. If you look at studies you know that $0.68 to every $1.00 goes back into the local economy when people spend at a local business. When you spend at a chain store, only $0.37 goes back into the local economy," explained Price.
The rules of the cash mob are simple. Just show up at a local business at a set time, bring $20 and spend it on anything in the store.
The group chose Pleasant Plains Workshop for this cash mob - to showcase the gallery's unique artwork and crafts. Everything in the store is made by local artists like Chris Haughery.
"I love my work and I like showing my work, but I would be more excited about people being able to see art just in general, and for me to be a part of that, to be able to add to that, you know, is really cool," said Haughery.
Store owner Kristina Bilonick said the event was a huge success.
"It's a win-win, and the sales are just icing on the cake," she said.
The cash mobs⁴ organized by Think Local First DC have increased sales for local businesses in Washington by 500 percent. And the mob members say the events are so much fun that they look forward to participating in one again.

1 mob   

n.暴民，民众，暴徒；v.大举包围，乱挤，围攻

参考例句：

• The king was burned in effigy by the angry mob.国王的模拟像被愤怒的民众烧掉以泄心中的愤恨。
• An angry mob is attacking the palace.愤怒的暴徒在攻击王宫。

2 convene   

v.集合，召集，召唤，聚集，集合

参考例句：

• The Diet will convene at 3p.m. tomorrow.国会将于明天下午三点钟开会。
• Senior officials convened in October 1991 in London.1991年10月，高级官员在伦敦会齐。

3 executive   

adj.执行的，行政的；n.执行者，行政官，经理

参考例句：

• A good executive usually gets on well with people.一个好的高级管理人员通常与人们相处得很好。
• He is a man of great executive ability.他是个具有极高管理能力的人。

4 mobs   

v.聚众包围( mob的第三人称单数 )；聚众闹事

参考例句：

• There was a raid on a bank by armed mobs yesterday. 昨天发生了一起武装暴徒抢劫银行的事件。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• The following day mobs seized the Parliament building. 第二天暴徒占领了议会大厦。 来自《简明英汉词典》