MIDDLETOWN – The Downtown Middletown Business Improvement District (BID), alongside City of Middletown officials and regional academic leaders, officially launched the Downtown Middletown Perks Pass this week at John F. Degnan Square. The new initiative offers an exclusive, free discount pass designed to strengthen connections between local merchants and thousands of students, faculty, and staff from area higher education institutions.
The Perks Pass connects the campus communities of SUNY Orange, Touro University, and Northern Fei Tian College directly to downtown shops, restaurants, and service providers. Cardholders scan a QR code on the back of the pass to access a live, continuously updated directory of exclusive deals and promotions offered throughout the BID district.
“This isn’t just a discount card; it’s an invitation to the students and staff of our three esteemed institutes of higher education to make downtown Middletown an extension of your campus,” said City of Middletown Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano. “The Perks Pass creates a direct pipeline between thousands of students, faculty, and staff and the local businesses that make up the heart of our city.”
The program addresses both local economic development goals and campus community engagement by making downtown exploration accessible and affordable for students on tight budgets.
The Perks Pass is available free of charge to all eligible students, faculty, and staff from participating institutions.
“Since we opened our medical school in 2014, we have enjoyed an amazing relationship with the Middletown community,” added Touro University Executive Dean Dr. Kenneth J. Steier. “This program will further enhance that relationship by connecting our medical students with the many fine businesses in the BID.”
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