BONUS INCLUDES PATRIOTIC MOTIVE.

Byline: Naush Boghossian Staff Writer

BURBANK- In a spirit of patriotism sparked by last month's terrorist attacks, a Burbank businessman has launched a campaign to re-energize the local economy by dipping into his own pocket.

Dave Rosen has given $100 to each of his dozen employees at World Link Digital, with a request to spend it immediately at local stores. And he's also issued a challenge to other businesses - e-mailing about 2,000 people and encouraging them to implement similar programs.

``What we're asking them to spend money on directly is those companies that are hurting the most,'' said Rosen, who has bought three personal computers against his accountant's advice.

``This idea is meant to incite and inspire people to get off the couch and back to normal life,'' he said.

And, he said, he's gotten an overwhelming positive response to his request that other small- to medium-size firms follow his lead. Local companies with up to 35 employees - like Epoch Sales, iSolutions, Lon Cohen Studio Rentals, Cello Studios and J.G. Capitol - have all decided to participate.

``When I hear that other companies are doing it, I think it must be saving jobs,'' said Rosen, whose 6-year-old audio-equipment rental company caters to the entertainment industry.

Among Rosen's employees, one employee spent the bonus on a Dodgers game, another bought dinners and movies, and a third purchased a plane ticket.

Inspired by his boss' gesture, World Link Digital Manager Jason Young dipped into his own pocket and spent more than $500 last week on a DVD player and a couple of movies.

``It's the idea, more than the $100, for people to stop being afraid. Let's not be pinching the pennies,'' Young said.

Young said he feels good that he's working for a boss who thinks outside the box. And apparently, he's not the only one. Ever since word got out about Rosen's idea, he has been receiving resumes from people who want to work for him.

Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., said Rosen's idea is a great one.

``He's telling people to get out, and that's going to be helping save jobs,'' Kyser said. ``People are holding back, but get out and spend some money and don't feel guilty about it.''

The spending would have a short-term impact on a multibillion-dollar economy, but Kyser said it would make a difference if enough people participated.

``We have to get out of our shell, and need to get on with our lives because it's the best way to succeed,'' Kyser said.

John Kelley, manager of the Holiday Inn City Center in Los Angeles, said his company heard about Rosen's plan and decided to give each of its 117 employees $100 and a lapel pin of the U.S. flag.

``His process was to 'pay it forward,' '' Kelley said, referring to the movie starring Kevin Spacey, about attempting to make the world a better place by doing good deeds for others.

``Let's see if we can start up a grass-roots effort to stimulate the economy.''

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World Link Digital owner Dave Rosen gave each of his employees $100 in hopes of stimulating the local economy.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer