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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
Most of us are familiar with "Blue Laws." They were passed to enforce moral standards, particularly the observance of Sunday as a day of worship or rest. Most have been replaced, declared unconstitutional or are no longer enforced.
It wasn't many years ago that businesses were closed on Sunday. Over the years, this has changed very dramatically. Most merchants and businesses, for competitive reasons, remain open seven days a week.
There are some who still believe Sunday should be a day of rest or worship. Harold Madsen of Provo has established a new business to assist those who would like to honor the Sabbath and to support merchants or businesses with the same desire. His business, www.ClosedSunday.org, provides a resource to aid consumers in finding businesses that are closed on Sunday.
Harold feels that many people value Sundays as a special day to rest, worship and spend time with family. He encourages those people to support businesses with similar values that are closed Sunday.
Through his Web site, businesses can offer specials or coupons and create a company profile to tell their story to shoppers and consumers. Shoppers and businesses can register for free offers and receive other benefits. Blogs are available to allow proponents to advise other shoppers of specials at participating merchants.
If you log on to www.ClosedSunday.org, you can find participating businesses in your zip code and can become a "VIP Shopper" to qualify for special sales and promotions.
Where did the name "Blue Laws" originate? Well, some maintain that the original laws were printed on blue paper. However, there is no evidence to support the assertion. But, whatever the name, the laws were enacted to encourage consumers and businesses to provide a day for worship, rest and family, a tradition Harold hopes to continue.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
