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Unchain for Thanksgiving Week!Each year, communities around North America unite to urge residents to "unchain" and patronize solely local independent businesses on the Saturday preceding (U.S.) Thanksgiving to demonstrate the impact of their collective dollars on the local economy. Participating groups often attempt to calculate how much more money will remain circulating in the local economy from just one day of residents "going local" (though some groups do Unchained events for a week). The number is staggering -- usually several hundred thousand dollars for modestly-sized communities to multi-millions for larger ones. AMIBA provides templates, ideas, and instruction to help you with your local campaign. Visit our website to explore and download resources. AMIBA issues news releases nationally and regionally, so help us bring attention to your efforts by telling us your plans. AMIBA affiliation is not required to participate or access these resources. And if you’re exploring starting an IBA in your community, participating in our national campaigns is a great first step. Please join in! |
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 Accurately Reporting the Multiplier EffectAlmost everyone organizing a Buy Indie / Buy Local campaign or local business alliance publicizes the economic benefits of doing business locally, but the numbers used vary wildly. We often see claims about the local multiplier effect that are generalized, not supported by real data or distort the findings of legitimate studies through notable omissions. Your credibility as a reliable source of information is critical to your success with local media, government and the public -- guard it carefully! AMIBA published this page summarizing the local multiplier effect and key studies as an easy reference to help you avoid repeating common errors and present clear, accurate information. Please share it widely to help the whole Localization Movement! |
 News BriefsASTRA Launches Neighborhood Toy Store Day
McHugh says, not only will the campaign inform consumers about the value independent businesses offer their communities, but it also will "highlight to parents they have the option of creative, unique toys as opposed to the razzmatazz of electronic toy gadgets for their gift giving.” In celebration of Neighborhood Toy Store Day, toy stores are planning “Santa’s Helper” events, toy demonstrations, craft lessons, children's author readings, and more. Learn more. New York Times Features Local First Utah Founder to Show Impacts of Health Care Reform
Charging More for Local Foods May Increase Your Sales
The researchers determined the higher price led customers to perceive higher value in the local dish. However, when they hiked the cost of the locally-sourced dish to $7.50, more patrons chose the cheaper option. The study of 322 customers was conducted at a Midwest university's training restaurant. We hope to receive the full study shortly and will share details (and link, if permitted) in our next issue. AMIBA is seeking sponsors to design and commission a more thorough study to quantify the appeal of locally-made/grown and nationally-made/grown products. |
 News from AMIBA affiliatesGary Anglin of Our Town Gainesville recently authored this op-ed on the benefits of going local in Gainesville's major daily newspaper. Vicki Pozzebon, executive director of the Santa Fe Alliance wrote an op-ed on why Reducing New Mexico’s Carbon Emissions = Economic Sense that appeared in multiple publications. Members of the Boulder Independent Business Alliance responded immediately to a request for donated goods and services when the County’s largest forest fire on record claimed nearly 170 homes and temporarily displaced more than 3500 residents in September. Boulder Outlook Hotel, a BIBA sustainer, offered up discounted rooms and volunteered to serve as a drop-off point for donated items. When members of your community face a crisis, look for creative ways your group can help your local businesses help the community. It’s not just a good thing to do, it creates the emotional connections that are vital to building a successful local alliance. In response to concerns about local-washing, Keep Edmonton Original has created a new web page to help citizens determine what really is local and why it matters. |
 Book and Literature ReviewsBe Your Own Lobbyist: How to Give your Small Business Big Clout with State and Local Government by Amy H. Handlin (Praeger, 2010) This book is filled with practical advice for business owners seeking to influence issues and legislation, but can't afford to buy a lobbyist like their much larger competitors. IBA leaders, too, can learn both what may matter to business members and a lot about relationship-building with officials at the local, county and state levels. Author Amy Handlin uses her experience (in New Jersey state assembly and as a university professor) to guide readers through the lobbying process, considerations and examples. Topics covered include researching and building a relationship with your lobbying target, building coalitions, tools to use and avoid, framing your message, audience, and delivery, pros and cons of getting political, ethics, dealing with unwanted attention, lobbying and government contracts. She also has advice on dealing with bureaucracy for such issues as seeking a variance, fighting a local ordinance, changing state law and more. Handlin is succinct and breaks down each topic into short sections that include a description of the process, hypothetical situations, and strategic tips. While she touches briefly on using the media, we suggest Making the News by Jason Salzman as a more thorough resource in that realm. The resources section is not an afterthought, but a highly useful collection. Despite the $45 cover price, we recommend Be Your Own Lobbyist as a staple reference for your bookshelf. |
 "Smart Growth" ResourcesThe Smart Growth Manual by Andres Duany, Jeff Speck and Mike Lydon.
For Rural Communities
Website of the Month: Good Jobs First
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Don't Reinvent the Wheel!Use free templates from AMIBA to begin public education efforts through your business or group (and get our full-time support by affiliating when you're ready to launch a buy local campaign or Independent Business Alliance. Templates can be customized with your business' or group's name and logo at a nominal cost. Of course, if you value our public education work or the news, templates and guidance we provide freely, please help us keep serving you by making a tax-deductible gift! |
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Unchain for Thanksgiving Week!
Each year, communities around North America unite to urge residents to "unchain" and patronize solely local independent businesses on the Saturday preceding (U.S.) Thanksgiving to demonstrate the impact of their collective dollars on the local economy. Participating groups often attempt to calculate how much more money will remain circulating in the local economy from just one day of residents "going local" (though some groups do Unchained events for a week). The number is staggering -- usually several hundred thousand dollars for modestly-sized communities to multi-millions for larger ones.
