Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County is celebrating America (Florida) Saves Week from February 21 - 28, 2010. The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners will enact a proclamation at their regular Board meeting on February 23, at 9 a.m. County residents are encouraged to become an American Saver.

The 2010 slogan is "Start Small. Think Big." UF-IFAS Extension and the Florida Department of Financial Services have partnered to organize Florida Saves Week and supporting materials. The local Alachua County Extension Office, Community Support Services and RBC bank are providing a variety of activities and media options for the public this week.

• On February 22 and 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. Dr. Brenda Williams, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent will be providing free materials and registration information to become an American Saver at RBC Bank, located at Millennium Center (4340 West Newberry Road, Gainesville).
• On February 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. a program titled "Saving for the Future" will be offered at the Alachua County Extension Office (2800 NE 39^th Avenue, Gainesville). The public is invited to learn tips on how to save money and build financial wealth.
• On February 24 from 10:30 TO 11 a.m. a program titled "What Kind of a Saver are You and Additional Saving Tips" will be offered at Westside Park (1001 Northwest 34th Street, Gainesville). This is a regular meeting of the Home and Community Educators Club (HCE), and the public is invited.

All during the week, individuals and families are encouraged to register to become a committed saver. Registration is available on February 22 and 23 at RBC Bank located at Millennium Center (4340 West Newberry Road, Gainesville) from 1 to 4 p.m. or by visiting www.americasaves.org. Those who do register will receive periodic mailings of additional saving tips to help continue the saving habit throughout the year ahead.

For more information, contact Dr. Brenda Williams, Alachua County Extension Office at 352-955-2402.