Buy Local Week celebrates local businesses, vibrancy

Media contact: Michelle Grandy, Communications and Think Local First Manager
mgrandy@sconnect.org, (360) 647.7093 x110

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             
November 4, 2010 – Bellingham, WA

Buy Local Week celebrates local businesses, vibrancy

BELLINGHAM, WA – A number of Whatcom County businesses will participate in the 9th annual Buy Local Week, running November 25 through December 4. Typically a season of hustle and bustle at shops, malls and retailers around the country, the aim of Buy Local Week is to encourage community members to Shift their Shopping, asking folks to shift at least 10% of their non-local shopping to local, independently owned businesses.

Organized by local nonprofit, Sustainable Connections, many participating businesses will offer discounts and deals throughout the week. A Buy Local Week flier listing the local businesses, specials and gift suggestions will be inserted into the Bellingham Herald and Cascadia Weekly and at local businesses throughout the county.

“We know that buying decisions around the holidays can be tough and hope that our community will make thoughtful choices around their purchases that include local, independently owned businesses,” said Michelle Grandy, Think Local First program manager at Sustainable Connections. “Keeping money local supports our friends and neighbors, whether that means purchasing more locally grown food for holiday meals, visiting a unique local store right here in Whatcom County, or finding a one-of-a-kind experience to share with loved ones.”
 
Many studies have found that when money is spent with local, independently owned stores that more of that money stays local, re-circulating in our community resulting in greater economic activity and creating new jobs.

In fact, Bellingham has gotten some great recognition nationally for its support of local businesses and desire to keep its money recirculating in our community, too. Research firm Civic Economics conducted a new study that found Bellingham is number two in the nation for the highest share of retail sales captured by local, independently owned businesses.

A recent article in The Washington Post featured a photo article about the survey that coins Bellingham as the #2 Indie City in the nation as well.
New Buy Local Week posters will help identify locally owned, independent businesses during this busy time of year as well. A few fun and unique gifts are “Locally Grown” baby onesies, bumper stickers  and the new 2012 “Where the Locals Go! Coupon book will be available in late November at the Allied Arts festival of the arts. The Coupon Book includes savings on everything from grocery shopping to dining out, health classes, retail items and even home improvement

Also coming up is Sustainable Connections’ once a year online auction fundraiser. The Bid Local First! Auction is full of unique experiences and one-of-a-kind items from Whatcom County’s best local, independently owned businesses with proceeds benefitting the Food To Bank On beginning farmer business training project. The 4th annual auction is open for bidding November 21 through December 4 at www.biddingforgood.com/sconnect.

“Beyond the obvious economic boost and creation of jobs, buying from locally owned and independently operated businesses creates the web that ties our community together,” Chuck Robinson, owner Village Books and Paper Dreams said. “It helps build livable neighborhoods, enlivens cultural life, and strengthens the safety net of the community.”

For more information, visit sustainableconnnections.org or call (360) 647-7093.

Many thanks to our 2012 Think Local First sponsors:

Lead Sponsors: Cascadia Weekly, Samuel’s Furniture, Village Books & Paper Dreams, Whatcom Educational Credit Union, The Northern Light
Co-Sponsors: Anderson Paper & Packaging, Assembly-Plus, Bay City Supply, Bellingham Farmers Market, Busara Thai Cuisine, Community Food Co-op, Fairhaven Runners, Hardware Sales, Lithtex NW Printing Solutions, Fire Mountain Solar, VacationLand RV
Supporting Sponsors: Esary Roofing, Foothills Gazette, Griggs Office Supply, Grow Northwest Magazine, Kulshan Cycles, The Loft Salon and Spa, Moka Joe and Mallard Ice Cream, North Sound Energy & Remodel, Rainshield Roofing & Construction, What’s Up! Magazine, Wood Stone, The Chrysalis Inn and Spa, Diehl Ford, Scrach and Peck Feeds