Buy Local Week 2011

2011 Buy Local Week is scheduled for Nov 25-Dec 4

“We’re encouraging folks to support friends and neighbors by keeping their money local, whether that means purchasing more locally grown food for their holiday meals, visiting a local holiday craft festival or unique store right here in Whatcom County, or finding a one-of-a-kind experience to share with loved ones,” said Michelle Grandy, Think Local First program manager.

This year we're asking community members to "Shift Your Shopping" to local, independent businesses for their holiday shopping. As little as a 10% in your shopping (only one out of 10 purchases) is a small amount that can make a big impact keeping even more of your hard earned money local.

This year's 9th Annual Buy Local Week will be highlighted by the Annual Bid Local First! On-line auction featuring unique, one-of-a-kind local experiences and the arrival of the 2012 Where the Locals Go! Coupon Book.

Be sure to pick up a Winter Guide to Where the Locals Go!  The Guide will be distriubted in the Bellingham Herald on and in the Cascadia Weekly. Guides can also be picked up at local businesses throughout Bellingham.

In the Guide you'll find listings of special sales, and fun events all taking place at your favorite local businesses, a peek at Bid Local First! Auction items, a comprehensive list of local gift ideas and a long list of local, independent businesses. 

Saturday, December 3rd visit the Bellingham Farmers Market and test your luck with a spin of the Think Local First prize wheel. Lucky folks will receive the new 2011 Where the Locals Go! Coupon Book, bumper stickers, buttons and special prizes donated by local businesses. Everyone's a winner when they Think Local First!

Also throughout the week, keep your eye out for the Be Local Bee! The Bee will be handing out brand new 2012 Where the Locals! Coupon Books, stickers, and more!

“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.”

Buy Local Week tips for Sustainable Connections members and participants in the Think Local First Campaign.

Here are some ideas;

• Use the Think Local First message and logo in your ads, on reader boards, on your invoices, on your website and brochures.

• Include information in newsletters. Share the importance of thinking local First. We can share samples and ideas.

• Be creative with the message. Use it on shelf talkers, table tents, employee nametags, displays of unique local items, have in-store demonstrations of local products.

• Create displays of local items.

• Offer a special sale or host a tasting or demo of a local product.

• Use Think Local First materials.

            - Post the new posters (to arrive late Nov)

            - Request a fresh window decals if yours is looking shabby

            - More 'mini' bumper stickers will be distributed for you to hand out

            - Purchase buttons for yourself and employees

            - Purchase Local First bumper stickers to give away or resell (ask about wholesale pricing).

            - Consider the Coupon Book as a customer give away or employee gifts (ask about bulk pricing).