NEWPORT — A Newport music store owner is composing a grass-roots campaign called “Buy Newport” to improve business and possibly build a new business association.

Tom McQueen owner of Uncle Charlie's Music, with one of the “Newport” guitars he is selling as part of his “Buy Newport” campaign. (Patrick Reddy photo) | ZOOM |

        Tom McQueen of Uncle Charlie's Music said business on Monmouth and York streets is waning, partially because of the attention given to Newport on the Levee. He believes that the Newport Business Association is not helping his business and those near him, and that issues such as a lack of parking aren't being addressed.

        “We're trying to turn this back into a business district,” said Mr. McQueen, whose shop is at 835 Monmouth St. “Most people still think Newport is the Newport of 30 years ago. They think of the drinking and strip bars. We're dying down here.”

        Mr. McQueen has ordered 100 new acoustic guitars that he calls the “Newport Celebration” series to generate a buzz around the Buy Newport campaign. He will run a contest within the next month asking residents to come up with a logo for the guitars, which cost $99. The winner will receive one of the instruments.

        He hopes the guitar contest and Buy Newport campaign will attract people to Monmouth Street and encourage businesses around him to band together to bring in more customers. He would like to see a new business organization result from those efforts.

        “If they (Newport Business Association) were doing what we think needs to be done, we'd join them,” said Mr. McQueen, a self-described rabble-rouser. “They're doing good stuff, but it's just not helping us. They're focused on the river.”

        “I've been a business owner in Newport for 27 years, and I've never seen business slower than it is right now,” said Peter Garrett, owner of Peter Garrett Gunsmiths Inc. at 838 Monmouth St. “Newport already has a business association, but if Tom or anyone else has a good idea, I'm all for it.”

        Tom Beiting, Newport attorney and chairman of the Newport Business Association, said he had not heard of a new campaign or measures to start a new business organization in Newport.

        “I don't know why it would be beneficial,” Mr. Beiting, said. “It would seem to me that staying with what is already in place now would be more intelligent than trying to reinvent the wheel.”

        Mr. Beiting said the Newport Business Association has been working hard to resolve Monmouth Street issues, and that he is working with the vice president of operations for Newport on the Levee to improve Monmouth Street for mutual benefit.
       

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