Top ten Reasons to get it local

1.  BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT YOURSELF

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business a significantly greater portion of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

2.  SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS

Non-profit organizations receive an average of 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

3.  KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home and one-of-a-kind businesses an integral part of the distinctive character of our city.

4.  REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation.  Generally, locally owned businesses set-up shop in city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe of city limits; this contributes to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

5.  CREATE GOOD JOBS

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and therefore provide the most jobs to residents in communities.

6.  GET BETTER SERVICE

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

7.  INVEST IN COMMUNITY

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

8.  PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE

Local businesses in city centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.

9.  BUY WHAT YOU WANT (NOT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE WANTS TO BUY)

A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

10.  ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.