A new map and business listing of hundreds of businesses in North East Hamilton is now available in hopes of drawing shoppers to an “often over-looked quadrant” the City.At a press conference yesterday, Patrice Minors, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, launched the pocket-sized map featuring 205 shops and businesses in the Econcomic Empowerment Zone (EEZ).“The traditional locales for shopping and services are well known, but today we are here to talk about an often over-looked quadrant of our City that is filled with hundreds of quality businesses ready and willing to provide the best services to customers North East Hamilton,” she said.The new initiative follows on the heels of the “EEZy Shopping, Dining, and Living Money Programme” launched in December offering discounts throughout the post holiday period of January and February.The new map was a year in the making and features a colour-coded directory of retail, services, entertainment, health care, automotive, personal care, food and community businesses in the area.The pocket guides will be distributed within the zone and at key visitor and local spots such as hotels, guest houses, visitor information centres, the General Post Office and City Hall.“Once a consumer becomes well informed of the diversity of businesses and services available locally, they are more likely to patronise and spend locally,” said Minister Minors.One of the business owners in the EEZ, Terry Smith, owner of women’s apparel store, Clara Bows Boutique on Court Street was on hand to help launch the new map.“It [the initiative] is very important for smaller businesses,” he said. “The more promotion, the better for the whole of Bermuda. This will show people that there’s something going on north of Victoria Street.”Mr Smith’s store has been on Court Street for three years and offers traditional and plus-sized clothing as well as special event gowns. He hopes people will look at the EEZ as a “shopping village” with a variety of stores for shoppers and a special vibe that is unique to the area.“I call it the spirit of Court Street there’s great spirit here and 75 percent of the area is positive and that’s the percentage we want to promote,” he said.Erica Smith, Director of the Economic Empowerment Zones Agency said that “businesses whole heartedly supports” the initiative and that she hopes people will find that “this area has a lot to offer”.“North East Hamilton is open and available for business,” she said.