The Choice

To Buy Local?

or

Not to buy local.

The Challenge

Educating consumers on the choice

◦ locally-owned businesses

or

◦ “big city” businesses◦ big box store◦ the Internet

It also poses a threat to local independent businesses!

This trend of spending in other cities and online not only sends sales tax dollars to go with those dollars that are spent…..

The Solution?

An Effective

Buy Local Campaign !

There is “strong evidence that well-designed campaigns do shift local culture”

-Milchen, Huffington Post, 2/2011

AwarenessEducationA Level Playing Field (businesses working

together)Engaged CitizensSupport of City OfficialsMedia Coverage

What does a Buy Local Campaign “Look Like?”

 "Obviously, we want residents, businesses and institutions to do more business locally, but we also want citizens to recognize their right to influence local policy and level the playing field for independently owned businesses.

- Steve Bercu, co-founder of the Austin Independent Business Alliance.

Do Buy Local campaigns really work?YES!

Cities with an active “buy local” campaign reported:

Annual revenues up 7.2 % compared to 2.6% in areas without such an initiative

Increase in public awarenessStronger holiday sales than the industry

average

* Data reported by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance

“Buy Local” in the News

With Buy Local program

Without Buy Local program

What would that look like in Harvey County?

Jan-June 2012: Average monthly gross retail sales in Harvey County = $31M

Harvey County receives 2% of the above amount, or $613K per month

Every 1% of growth would result in > $6K monthly increase to Harvey County for an annual increase of >$73,000 per 1%

1% 2% 3% 4% 4.6%$0

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

$300,000

$350,000

$400,000

$73,585

$147,169

$220,754

$294,339

$338,490

Annual Revenue Growth for Harvey County per 1% Sales Increase

“Buy Harvey”

A grassroots movement to educate the public of Harvey County on the benefits of buying locally and to encourage people to “think local first” when making their purchasing decisions.

History of “Buy Harvey”Group formed in November, 2011Steering committee formed in

February, 2012Currently:

◦Steering committee meets weekly◦Whole group meets monthly

SpecificsShared leadership with direction

provided by steering committeeCurrently free to join for

independent, locally-owned businesses in Harvey County

Active recruitment of additional members

GoalsEducate the public about buying

locallyIncrease cross-marketing

opportunities between local businesses

Promote independent and locally-owned businesses in Harvey County

Join the Movement

think. local. first.

Thank You

“Buy Harvey” Steering Committee