CIBA and the Coalition Challenge You to Buy Local First

This fall the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and Corvallis Independent Business Alliance kicked off an ongoing Buy Local First campaign. The movement is geared toward considering local businesses when making purchases. Money spent in a locally owned business generates more economic benefits, measured in income, wealth, jobs and tax revenue than when spent at a globally owned business.

Why Buy Local First?

• Prosperity: Of every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the local economy.  Only $13 of every $100 spent at a chain store stays in the community.
• Stability: Local ownership minimizes the chance that a company or business will pull up stakes and move to another town.
• Flexibility: Local business owners are generally more available to their customers and more interested in developing personal relationships, value feedback and accommodate customers’ requests.
• Diversity: Local businesses help a community retain its unique character.
• Sustainability: Spending money at a locally owned business decreases transportation costs, reduces the use of underpaid labor and rewards those who are not outsourcing jobs.

The first event for this campaign took place on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011, dubbed Buy Local First Day. Residents were encouraged to visit locally owned businesses for special treats, sales or discounts. Buy Local First Day also kicked off a contest seeking out Buy Local Heroes. Participants in the contest can turn in receipts for money spent, from December 3rd – 17th, at locally owned independent stores for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

Stay tuned for more information about this challenge and how you can be a Buy Local Hero.