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SEPTEMBER 2012

 

Salt Lake City & Kitsap County Studies Show Huge Economic Benefit Provided by Independent Businesses

Local First Utah released a compelling new study documenting that money spent with
local independent businesses generates far more local wealth than equivalent spending at chain outlets. Locally-owned retailers were found to return 52% of their

revenues directly into the local economy, compared to just 14% with national chain retailers. In other words, 382% more wealth accrues to Salt Lake City when residents "go local."

The study by Civic Economics also was the first we've seen to compare the local multiplier effect at independent restaurants to chain establishments. Read more.

While the results aren't quite as dramatic as the Salt Lake City study (for reasons we'll explain soon), another new study from Kitsap County, WA shows the multiplier effect of local ownership is strong in rural communities as well. We suggest reviewing our explanation of the multiplier effect before citing data.
 

Ready to Help Start a Pro-Local Campaign, but Not Alone? Find an Ally!

This new map shows you at a glance where we've received contacts from people requesting materials or inquiring about starting a buy local campaign or IBA. Our goal is to facilitate introductions to help you make an impact in your community. See if you have potential allies near you.
 

Local Action: News from Affiliates

Small Plate Crawl – Promoting Indie Restaurants 
For clever ideas to attract customers to local restaurants, take a look at Boone (NC) Independent Restaurant Association’s just-concluded Small Plate Crawl.

“I Am Local” 
Utah Local First organized the innovative “I Am Local” Photo Exposition, featuring visual storytelling through the lens of local photographers about their member businesses.

Best Use of a Cash Mob Award 
Goes to Stay Local!, AMIBA’s New Orleans affiliate, for helping a member through crisis. Coulis, a three-year-old restaurant started by Heather and James Leeming was hit hard when Chef James unexpectedly died, leaving Heather to both run the business and care for their young son. Then Hurricane Isaac tore a large hole in the roof in August, closing the restaurant for days. Read more.

New England 20/20 
The New England Local Business Forum, encompassing localization leaders around the region, will meet for the 9th time on October 5. Stacy MItchell and Michael Shuman will kick off the event with a vision for New England in 2020, We hope to meet many of you from New England there!
 

Indie Business News Briefs

Engaging Teens in Entrepreneurism and Community 
“We have a generation of young people who have limited experience with the traditional business districts in their communities... They don’t understand the [downtown’s] history and the important role it plays in impacting the vibrancy of the local economy." If that quote resonates with you, learn how some Pennsylvania communities are changing that story.


No Free Markets for Outdoor Retailers 
Atlantic Cities reports on the insanity of communities across the U.S. directly subsidizing Cabela's and Bass Pro "superstores" to the tune of more than $2 billion.

Incredibly some cities still think subsidizing Walmart Inc. is a good idea. Such subsidies for chains are one reason why Independent Business Alliances are so badly needed and the importance to drive sensible policies, not just "buy local" campaigns.

NEW! Individual Business Affiliation Offered  
An increasing number of business owners ask how they can tap into AMIBA's
resources and expertise if they're not yet ready to "take the leap" to instigate an
Independent Business Alliance (IBA) locally. Others have asked about a
membership motivated by desire to support our work and help keep the toolbox for local business advocates growing. Here's our response.


Should Your Cash Register Go Mobile? 
Using mobile devices as cash registers has potential to reduce paperwork, save time and ultimately cut costs. Michael Martinez, owner of a family-run florist shop in Austin, TX says, “The easier you can make it for people to spend money the more likely they'll spend.” USA Today offers some options for implementing mobile transactions and a glimpse at future technology.


Sourcing Local Applies to Fundraising, Too 
What portion of your local fundraising remains in your community? Local Happiness, a new “go local” venture, promotes the use of local goods in lieu of mass produced items for fundraising in schools, churches, Scout troops etc. By selling local products, 100 percent of fundraised dollars remains in the community. Learn more.

Welcome to the Newest AMIBA Affiliates

No summer doldrums this year! In August, we welcomed to the team:

  • Thrive, serving Jackson County, Oregon
  • Cincinnati IBA, Cincinnati, Ohio (new organization)
  • Star Valley IBA, Afton (new organization -- the first in Wyoming)

And a warm welcome to the first AMIBA business members.

 

New Free Outreach Tools from AMIBA...

In response to the popularity of the cover image on our "buy local" campaigns primer, we created free web stickers and window signs (coming in Oct.). Just right click on the image to save it to your computer and add to your web page. Your only obligation is to keep the image link (to article explaining the benefits of doing business locally) intact. Note: "Come In, We're Local" is an AMIBA trademark. Written permission is required for use in any other context.

Campaign Primers Mailed 
If you requested a free copy of AMIBA's primer on buy local campaigns prior to August 30, you should have it by now. The next bulk mailing is slated for Oct. 15, but If you're eager to receive a copy right away, just order any item of educational merchandise and we'll include a free copy. Contact us for rates on bulk quantities for conferences, trade shows, etc. (free to AMIBA affiliates).

More Spanish Outreach Tools 
After the great response to the August debut for these Spanish window decals, we're happy to add translated versions of our popular countertop cards / bag-stuffers as free downloads. See both the English and Spanish versions here. Our thanks to Ares Saldaña of Phidev and Francisco Miraval of Project Vision 21 for translation assistance. If you think almost all your Latino customers are proficient in English and materials in Spanish are, therefore, not needed, think again!
 

...and Some Just for AMIBA Affiliates

You must first log in to member resources to access the pages below.

Guide to Public Outreach via Tabling 
Staffing an information table at popular events can be effective vehicle for informing and engaging locals. These three new resources show you the way (primer, checklist and accounting sheet).

Ideas for Engaging Newcomers in the "Go Local" Mindset 
Reaching new residents before their habits form can yield great results for your members. Here are a few ideas on identifying and reaching these folks.
 

Meet Us at an Upcoming Presentation

(or Bring an AMIBA Speaker to Your Community or Event)

We recently added events in Medford, Roseburg and Corvallis, OR; Albany, NY; Brookline and Sandwich, MA; and Portsmouth, NH, with many more TBA soon. See the fall schedule. From now through May 2013, generous underwriting for presentations and trainings is available through American Express OPEN on first-come, first-served basis. Contact us to inquire.

Get Ready!

Lastly, it's time to start planning for Shift Your Shopping, Small Business Saturday and your holiday outreach. Much more to come in October.

Want more? See our index of all issues from January 2011 forward.

 

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by AMIBA on Mon May, 20 2013

Strength in Numbers, May 2013

by AMIBA on Fri May, 17 2013

Small vs. Big, Local vs. Global

by AMIBA on Mon May, 6 2013

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