Student senators and local business managers should be commended for participating in the Pitt Stop program.

Pitt Stop is a program in which local businesses offer discounts and deals to Pitt-Johnstown students, faculty and staff. This year, 23 eatery managers are offering deals.

An ice rink, a paintballing business and two salons are also on the list.

The list of participating businesses is advertised with fliers and posters in the Student Union.

The deals are arranged by Student Government Association’s Recreation and Publicity Committee members.

The current committee chair is Jordyn King, who spearheaded the effort to negotiate with business managers. Student senators Ryan Wiederstein, Emily Gagliardi and Casey Ansbro are also on the committee, along with Alex Scanga.

These students used their own time and initiative to contact business managers. Their efforts benefit both students and business managers.

Students are benefitted by deals and advertising.

By receiving discounts, students are able to better afford going off campus to eat or spend time. Deals also encourage students to try new activities or restaurants.

Students and business managers also both benefit from advertising. Students discover businesses they may not have heard of otherwise. These businesses could become new favorites thanks to advertising.

Business managers benefit by getting their names out there and reaching out to potential new customers.

Even with the benefits, managers should still be thanked for participating.

Managers could choose to rely on their own advertising methods, but instead were willing to offer discounts to students.

Student senators and business managers should be thanked for arranging and participating in the Pitt Stop program.