Login
Alexandria Lakes Are Chamber of Commerce
  • ABOUT US
    • The Chamber and Visitor & Resource Center
    • Our Team
    • Our Volunteers
  • Our Community
    • Visit Us
    • Make Alex Home
    • Do Business Local >
      • Chamber Bucks
      • Pride of the Lakes
    • Jobs
    • History
  • Programs
    • Chamber Programs
    • Chamber Events Calendar
    • Past Event Resources
  • Members
    • Member Directory
    • Member Login
    • Join Us!
  • In the Know
    • Chamber App
    • Email Sign Up
    • Blog
    • Business Resources
  • Young Professionals
    • About AAYP
    • AAYP Events
    • AAYP Newsletter
    • Join Us!
  • Community Calendar

Do business local all year long

9/25/2018

 
By Tara Bitzan, Executive Director, Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
   Usually it's when the holiday season descends upon us that we hear the plea to "shop local." Many communities market their shop local campaigns very heavily at that time of year. But shopping local isn't just for the holidays - it should be top-of-mind focus year-round. And the shop local concept isn't just for retail; it is just as important for service businesses. 
   Blogger Cinda Baxter founded the 3/50 Project, which strives to "save the brick and mortars our nation is built on." Baxter challenges people to commit to 3/50 by choosing three local independently owned businesses that they would miss if they disappeared, and spend $50 per month at any of these businesses. 
   It makes you see things differently when you think about your favorite three businesses right here in our community, and imagine them closing. Of course you alone can't keep them afloat, but you do have an impact.
   According to U.S. Labor Department statistics, if half of all employed people spent $50 each month at locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. 
   Baxter's focus is of course independently owned, because in most cases the business employs local residents and spends money here. For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain store in the community, $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes here. 
   And again, this concept isn't just for retail. It is for service businesses as well. Money spent with local restaurants, theaters, contractors, dry cleaners, salons, etc. has the same impact.
   Here's why doing business locally matters:
  • When you spend money with a local business, much of that revenue stays local. The owner and employees of that business are local, and in turn do business with other local people. The money stays right here, where it helps to build a strong, vibrant community.
  • The above concept filters through to local nonprofits. In a strong business community, nonprofits also thrive. You may not directly donate to a certain nonprofit, but it's likely if you do business locally, you have a direct impact on more money finding its way to help the work of local nonprofits, which of course also makes a community stronger. 
  • If business is strong, local businesses can offer more jobs and/or higher wages, add services or products, and give customers expanded options. 
   The lakes area is unique, in that is has a strong business base in a variety of sectors - from service industries to retail stores to manufacturing. Local industrial parks are bustling, as is our I-94 corridor and downtown. You don't see many empty storefronts here. But it will take those of us who live here and work here to keep it that way. We are a strong tourist destination - but tourists aren't enough to keep our stores open, and tourists aren't the ones who will keep most of our service businesses in business. 

Do your part to keep the community thriving and "do business" locally year-round.

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    April 2025
    October 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018

    Categories

    All
    Blog Post
    Spotlight Videos
    Testimonial

    RSS Feed

Copyright Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
206 Broadway St.  Alexandria, MN 56308
320-763-3161 
[email protected]

Refund & Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce BBB Business Review
Pride of the Lakes Logo
Picture
  • ABOUT US
    • The Chamber and Visitor & Resource Center
    • Our Team
    • Our Volunteers
  • Our Community
    • Visit Us
    • Make Alex Home
    • Do Business Local >
      • Chamber Bucks
      • Pride of the Lakes
    • Jobs
    • History
  • Programs
    • Chamber Programs
    • Chamber Events Calendar
    • Past Event Resources
  • Members
    • Member Directory
    • Member Login
    • Join Us!
  • In the Know
    • Chamber App
    • Email Sign Up
    • Blog
    • Business Resources
  • Young Professionals
    • About AAYP
    • AAYP Events
    • AAYP Newsletter
    • Join Us!
  • Community Calendar