Painesville 12/2/2011 11:01:41 PM
News / Law

Ohio Attorney Andrew Samtoy Leads the Charge as Cash Mobs Attack Local Businesses with $20 Dollar Bills

The term "flash mob" started out meaning a group of people who gather in a public place to dance or sing. The mob morphed into something more disruptive and destructive via the social media. A class action attorney at Dworken & Bernstein decided it's time for a turn of phrase and a new positive direction.

Andrew Samtoy took the lead. Samtoy, a member of Cleveland Bridge Builders, an organization which trains the region's future leaders, wanted to help make an impact in the local economy. He, along with fellow Bridge Builder, Marty Mordarski, coined the phrase "cash mob".

Cash mob is a group of people that plans to gather at predetermined location and time and target a store in the area. The store must be locally owned, have products for both men and women and have parking. The store must be civic minded. Armed with at least $20 each, the "mob" will make purchases at the assigned location to show support for their neighborhood businesses.

"Many local businesses are struggling and if we can help them out a little bit, maybe give them an infusion, why not?" says Samtoy. Afterward, the mob will gather at a local restaurant or bar to continue the economic stimulus. "The idea will not solve the economic crisis in Cleveland in one night or one month. But why not socialize with likeminded Clevelanders, support local businesses as well as a local eating establishment afterwards?

On Wednesday, November 16th, the "mob" descended on Visible Voice Bookstore for their shopping spree and then gathered at Bac Bistro & Lounge for refreshments.

You can find out more about Cash Mobs on Facebook, Twitter or log onto the group’s blog www.cashmobs.wordpress.com. Word has spread within the week and more than 1,000 people received the Facebook invite with over 50 confirmed. Local radio and television stations are intrigued and excited about this initiative and have invited Samtoy to speak on local programming. Check him out on WKYC Channel 3 http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1279874669001&odyssey=mod|href="http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1279874669001&odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|featured" target="_blank"|href="http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1279874669001&odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|featured" target="_blank"|href="http://www.wkyc.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=1279874669001&odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|featured" target="_blank"|featured.

Andrew Samtoy was Dean of Delta Theta Phi law fraternity, earning a regional award for Most Outstanding Student of the fraternity. He is now a class action attorney at Dworken & Bernstein Co. L.P.A.

Ohio Law firm Dworken & Bernstein Co. L.P.A. has been in business for over 50 years and is the largest law firm in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties, Ohio with offices in Painesville as well as downtown Cleveland. Dworken & Bernstein offers a full range of legal services for businesses, individuals, and families in litigation and transactions with 26 attorneys and a staff of 65.

The firm's creation of Ohio Lawyers Give Back has resulted in distributing over $22.5 million dollars in unclaimed class action funds to local charities through Dworken & Bernstein. "Our firm is a staunch believer in doing what we can to give back and support our community," comments Barbara Marlowe, Director of Marketing & Public Relations for the firm. "Andrew's idea about Cash Mobs really helps our local independent businesses stay vital, and his energy is characteristic of the people at our firm."

Attorney Andrew Samtoy is a member of the national attorney network on LawyerCentral.com.

About Lawyer Central

Lawyer Central Network is a nationwide network of attorneys using technology to increase their individual exposure. Lawyer Central is emerging as a leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes access to cutting edge technology, as well as various types of media exposure ranging from practice area videos and in depth interviews to complete public relations and internet relations management.