| Nine Good Reasons to Shop at Locally Owned Businesses |
When you spend a dollar locally, it multipliesLocally owned businesses tend to do business with other locally owned businesses and aren’t constrained to buy only from a national distributor. They bank with local banks, advertise in local newspapers and purchase local services such as accounting and printing. Each time a dollar is re-spent in the local economy, it’s like new income – creating a “multiplier effect” - rather than this money “leaking out” through remote corporate headquarters and centralized purchasing departments. Community ownershipLocal business owners live and invest in their community. This makes them less likely to leave and more likely to be invested in how their business decisions affect the community. A more stable economyAn economy composed of many small, locally owned businesses is more stable and often more prosperous over the long-term than one dependent on a handful of absentee-owned companies. Local ownership ensures that businesses are firmly rooted in the community. They are unlikely to move and will do their best to weather economic hard times. Because there are so many of them, the failure of any one will have only a minor impact on the local economy.
Job creationSmall, locally-owned businesses provide the largest share of net new jobs generated each year and also provide the most stable employment opportunities in a community. Local owners are local contributors Research has shown that small local businesses make indispensable contributions to communities and neighborhoods. A study of charitable giving in Oregon showed that when in-kind contributions were included, small firms gave an average of $789 per employee, medium sized firms $172, and large firms $334. (NFIB Small Business Policy Guide) Additionally, large firms contribute primarily to the area where the corporation is headquartered, not necessarily where they do business. Maintain uniqueness Our one-of-a-kind Buy Local- Buy Rogue businesses are an integral part of our distinctive regional character. The unique character our valley is what brought us here and will keep us here and keep visitors coming back. A local economy of diverse, unique businesses also attracts today's skilled workers and investors who can choose to settle and grow businesses anywhere. Customer service is better Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. Competition and diversity leads to more choices A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices. Reduced environmental impactLocally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. |
Become a Buy Local - Buy Rogue Member and ensure a more sustainable future for the Rogue Valley.
| Reason #4: Job Creation |
Small, locally-owned businesses provide the largest share of net new jobs generated each year and also provide the most stable employment opportunities in a community. |
| Farming Outside the Box |
| Organic and natural food expert Joel Salatin urges local growers to experiment Published: February 21, 2010 By Greg Stiles, Mail Tribune APPLEGATE VALLEY — Joel Salatin, a leading light in the local food movement, met with several dozen local farmers and ranchers on a warm February day that made him wonder aloud about returning to snowbound Virginia. Read more... |
| Jill Keller- First Street Cafe, Phoenix |
![]() "As we go through the economic situation we are in right now, it's more important than ever to buy local and strengthen our community ties so we all can thrive. Buying local also saves on fuel, food tends to be fresher and it's also safer because we know where it comes from and we can trace it easier. When we buy local, it comes back to us in so many ways." |
| Tue Sep 7th Ashland Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market |
| Wed Sep 8th Talent Evening Market |
| Thu Sep 9th Medford Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market |
| Fri Sep 10th Rogue Valley Local Foods |
| Fri Sep 10th Brian's Green Thumb Farm Tour & Samplings |