Local First Arizona is excited to announce the launch of The SHIFT Campaign!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Press Conference: 10am
Launch Party: 5 – 7pm El Chorro Lodge 5550 East Lincoln Drive Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
We at Local First Arizona have been working on a new initiative called Shift Arizona. We want every single person to think about where their hard-earned dollars go when spent at locally-owned businesses and how much of an impact they make on our community. Even small changes (say, 10% of your spending) shifted to local businesses from national changes can effect HUGE positive changes in economy and lifestyle!
Join us when we formally announce this new initiative! The day begins with a press conference in the morning and the celebration continues later that day with a launch party in the Casa Paloma space at the historic El Chorro Lodge! We’ll have campaign materials and information about this important and timely movement. Enjoy complementary appetizers and soft drinks from El Chorro Lodge, along with a cash bar. Please come out to show your dedication to our community by sharing how you are going to Shift 10% of your spending to expedite our state’s economic recovery. Bring your company shirts and hats- let yourselves be seen!
“Staycation” has become a popular buzzword in the past several years & the concept has never been more important to Arizona. A staycation is a chance for you to become more familiar with your town, your county, your state. It gives you a chance to play tourist without getting on a plane, hiring a dog sitter or arranging to have your mail delivery stopped. Most importantly, it is a chance to keep your money where your home is, right here in Arizona.
Our state’s unique terrain, outstanding amenities, and world class lodging have rocketed the state to the top of people’s travel destination lists for decades. If you are a resident, you have an amazing playground to explore – historic hotels, unique cultural monuments, awe inspiring geography. Arizona is home to renowned locally owned restaurants, shops and hotels that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Whether it’s a day trip to Arizona’s wine country or a weeklong adventure in the Grand Canyon, by exploring Arizona you are supporting our state and making sure that amenities such as our parks, libraries and senior centers are funded and that businesses in rural and urban communities are stable. Local First Arizona will be highlighting some of our favorite Arizona travel spots in the coming months, focusing on showcasing locally owned hotels, restaurants, shops & attractions.
Sedona’s early residents were farmers and horse and cattle ranchers. Orchards along Oak Creek provided fruit to residents of Phoenix, Cottonwood and Los Angeles. Sedona’s red rocks have made it a popular spot for movie producers through the years, with many films being shot in the town including the 1949 John Wayne movie Tall in the Saddle and 1989 indie film Dead Man. Today Sedona is a popular artist community & tourism hub.
Must see
Watching the sunrise or sunset at the Airport Overlook. 235 Air Terminal Drive
Best kept secret
There are not many things better than enjoying breakfast creek side at Briar Patch Inn. While space is limited and generally open to guests of the Inn only, outside guests can sometimes luck out and get a reservation by calling a day or two ahead. Live music accompanies the healthy buffet during summer months. Serving from 8 – 10 a.m. Located at 3190 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.2342
Attractions
Highway 89A! After five long years of construction, construction, construction, the main road into Sedona is complete and open for business. While we are not encouraging you to jump out of your car to revel in the glory of fresh asphalt and bright yellow center lines, we can recommend that this stretch of scenic road is now easy to travel.
Chapel of the Holy Cross was built in 1956 by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staube. This impressive chapel appears to rise out of the rocks and is one of the most peaceful places in town. Open to visitors year round, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located at 780 Chapel Rd.
Slide Rock State Park began as an apple orchard in the early 1900’s. Today it is a popular cooling off spot which features an eighty foot natural water slide down the smooth rocks in Oak Creek. Open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. through Labor Day, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. in September, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. October through April. Located on Highway 89A, north of town.
Famous residents
Ted Danson’s parents live in Sedona and Johnny Depp is rumored to have a home here. Peanuts’ favorite hound dog, Snoopy, is enshrined in rock in Sedona as well.
Upcomingevents
Moonlight Madness Street Festival: Sedona’s Main Street is transformed into a street festival with entertainment, sidewalk sales and free activities for the whole family. The Main Street District is located along Hwy 89A & Hwy 179. Starting September 4th from noon – 9 p.m., through Labor Day.
Fiesta del Tlaquepaque: Sedona’s beautiful shopping village, Tlaquepaque, is transformed into Old Mexico to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Strolling Mariachis provide the soundtrack for the day while Flamenco dancers perform colorful shows. There are plenty of activities for the kids and plenty of Mexican cuisine to savor. September 11th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Held at 336 Hwy 179. Admission is free.
Sedona Jazz on the Rocks: Nearing its 30th year, this festival is the perfect blend of sights and sounds. This year’s headliners include vocalist Dennis Rowland, pianist Alfredo Rodriguez, singer-songwriter Maysa & the Homemade Jamz Blues Band. Held at the Poco Diablo Resort on October 2nd. Tickets range from $35 – $102.
Sedona Arts Festival: Browse through art in a variety of mediums, from painting and photography to jewelry and fiber arts, being shown by artists from across the country. The KidZone offers a place for budding Picassos to show off their stuff. Saturday, October 9th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 10th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Held at Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Adult entry is $10, Seniors/Students are $9 and children 12 and under are free.
1st Fridays: Gallery hop on the first Friday of every month. Free shuttles transport visitors to Sedona galleries which offer food, drink and the chance to discuss art, often times with the artists themselves.
The Sedona Marathon: Run, walk or stroll through the red rocks. Categories include full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K. The race is held on February 12th, 2011 and will start at the Sedona Cultural Park.
17th Annual Sedona Film Festival: Over 140 indie films will be shown during this weeklong festival. Academy Award winning filmmakers attend and lead workshops and lectures. This year’s Special Guest is documentary veteran Michael Moore. February 20th – 27th, 2011. Held at Harkins Theatres, 2081 W. Hwy 89A.
Places to stay
Briar Patch Inn– Enjoy fishing in Oak Creek, swimming in private water holes, hiking or simply relaxing in nature in any of the quaint cabins at Briar Patch Inn. Cabins start at $219/night. Located at 3190 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.2342
Canyon Wren Cabins –These cozy cabins in Oak Creek Canyon are the perfect place to spend a weekend, bed and breakfast style. Cabins start at $155/night. Located at 6425 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.6900 or 800.437.9736
Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge – To truly escape from the real world (i.e. telephones and TVs), stay at one of Garland’s sixteen cabins. Located on 10 tranquil acres in Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation, an apple orchard and nearby Oak Creek. Cabins range from $245 – $295/night which includes breakfast and dinner. Located 8 miles north of Sedona on Hwy 89A, 928.282.3343
Forest Houses Resort –Seventeen unique houses available for rent in upper Oak Creek Canyon. Guests enjoy nearby hiking trails, fishing in Oak Creek and peaceful lounging. Houses start at $95/night. Located at 9275 N. Hwy 89A, 928.282.2999
Matterhorn Inn – For visitors who like to stay close to town, the Matterhorn Inn is steps away from shops and restaurants. Room rates available on request. Located at 230 Apple Rd, 928.282.7176
Sky Ranch Lodge – Rooms at this lodge offer up some of the best views of Sedona, as it is located 500 feet above the center of town. Room rates available on request. Located at 1105 Airport Rd, 928.282.6400 or 888.708.6400
Places to eat
Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen – Good-for-you pizzas, pastas and salads made with fresh, local ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner. Located at 1855 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.4140
Elote Café – Chef Jeff Smedstad serves some of the best traditional Mexican cuisine in the state, using locally grown and sustainable ingredients. Open for dinner. Located at 771 Hwy 179, 928.203.0105
Oak Creek Brewery & Grill – Wash down delicious pub fare with some of Oak Creek Brewery’s award winning beers. Open for lunch and dinner. Located in Tlaquepaque Village, 336 Hwy 179, 928.282.3300
Desert Flour Bakery & Bistro – Fresh bread, pastries and desserts as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads and pizza. Open for breakfast and lunch. Located at 6446 Hwy 179, 928.284.4633
Dahl & DiLuca – Featuring Italian cuisine, this renowned restaurant is a consistent award winner and one of the most romantic restaurants in Sedona. Open for dinner. Located at 2321 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.5219
Cucina Rustica – The sister restaurant of Dahl & DiLuca, featuring Mediterranean cuisine and dining indoors or al fresco on one of the best patios in town. Open for dinner. Located at 7000 Hwy 179, NW, Suite 126 A, 928.284.3010
Heartline Café – This innovative restaurant ranks highly with vegetarians and carnivores alike. Be sure to stop at neighboring Heartline Market to shop for gourmet food items. Open for dinner. Located at 1610 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.0785
Places to shop
Turquoise Tortoise Gallery – One of Sedona’s oldest galleries showcasing Native American art and jewelry as well as Contemporary Southwest art. Located at 431 Hwy 179, 928.282.2262
The Well Read Coyote – This indie bookstore has a wide selection of titles and hosts readings and workshops. Open Mon – Sat from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Located at 3190 W. Hwy 89A, Ste 400, 928.282.2284
Mexidona Imports – Unique furnishings, gifts and folk art from villages in Mexico. Open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located at 1670 W. Hwy 89A, 928.282.0858
The Hike House – Not only does this shop have shoes, clothes and gear for beginning to expert hikers, they also hold free classes on hiking preparedness and compass navigation. Located at 431 Hwy 179 #B-1, 928.282.5820
Cucina Sedona – Southwest inspired items for the kitchen, including glassware, linens, kitchen utensils and cookbooks. Located in Tlaquepaque, 336 Hwy 179, Suite D-101, 928.282.3905
Places to enjoy
Pink Jeep Tours – Hit the dirt trails and red rocks for an off road adventure. Choose from a variety of tours focusing on Native American history and culture, nature and geology. Open year round, reservations recommended. 800. 873.3662
Sedona Arts Center – Sedona artists showcase and sell their works in this converted apple packing barn. Workshops and classes are offered also. Art Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 928.282.3865
M Diamond Ranch- This 100 year old working cattle ranch just outside of Sedona offers horseback tours of the high country. Choose between a one hour ride or a combination trail ride and cookout. Times vary by season, reservations required. 928.300.6466
Check out the video below of Kimber Lanning and Andi Barness giving love to Arizona’s mom & pop businesses, announcing a new ongoing feature called “Local Shoutout.” Every Monday you can tune in to Sonoran Living and learn about more of the valley’s locally owned businesses! Superstition Farm is the first featured business… check that place out, it’s amazing!
A study released today found that SCF Arizona, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer, had a $528.3 million economic impact in Arizona in 2009.
The Phoenix company sourced 82 percent of its goods and services from other Arizona companies, according to the study released by Local First Arizona, a nonprofit that encourages Arizona businesses and residents to buy locally.
Arizonans are increasingly passionate about supporting the local economy. We’ve decided to help out by highlighting some of our members who have online shopping carts (and some of their favorite affordable items!) so you can check out the wide range of products that Arizona has to offer! This list will be continuously updated, so bookmark and check back often.
Click on the images to go to the businesses website
EJConfections…The Best Truffle You’ll Ever Taste. Ranging from Simply Chocolate to an expanding repertoire of exotic flavors that take indulgence to an unsurpassed level. Shop Online Today!
Get the perfect engagement ring at Joseph Schubach Jewelers. Browse through hundreds of styles and thousands of diamonds in our online store. Also, check out the many diamond alternatives and custom jewelry options.
Cyclists, keep your tires inflated with this solid floor pump from Paragon Cycling!
Need a birthday gift for someone who has everything? Want to say congratulations in a unique way? Julia Baker Confections‘ boxed chocolates make the perfect gift for every person on your list. Even if that person is you.
Locally handmade soaps in tea tree-rosemary, lemongrass-ginger, sweet orange-clove, and eucalyptus-lime made with organic oils, 100% plant-based ingredients, and lots of love! $33 value just $30 for Strawberry Hedgehog’s best selling soaps.
Arizona Native ~ Arizona Company ~ Arizona Products since 2001! Click or call to send a delicious Arizona-made gift basket, like our Taste of Arizona Gift Basket (in a variety of sizes) – across town or across the continent!
Want to go green with your gift wrap and snail mail? Buy fun and stylish recycled/recyclable cards and wrapping paper from Ecosaurus. (Shown: Interactive Boxed Set)
Shop online at Dog-Eared Pages Used Books and pick-up your books at the store or we’ll ship them to you!
Kokopelli’s Kitchen is offering our Foods of the Southwest Gift Basket for $34.95 (regularly $39.95) – the basket contains Kokopelli’s Cook Book & four authentic southwest ingredients needed to prepare some of the recipes.
Enjoy a bag of Cinnamon Pecans, as well as a 12 ounce box of assorted chocolates from Cerreta’s Fine Chocolates, and four assorted Sprites brownies from Fairytale Brownies… all local favorites put together by Zonie Baskets! $30
Purchase a two-year subscription to Edible Phoenixmagazine ($56) and receive a free copy of the book Edible: A Celebration of Local Food
Get started brewing with the Tea Starter Kit ($24.99) from Souvia Tea!
Sphinx Ranch Gourmet Gift Market is offering their Nut Lovers Delight gift basket (roasted & salted Arizona Pistachios, Arizona Pecans, Cashews, Almonds, & Mixed Nuts) for $40 (regularly $48)
Clean floors using only water with the MicroFiber SmartMop bundle for only $33.99 from SwedeClean.com! Mention that you saw it through Local First Arizona and get the shipping refunded (Phoenix residents only)!
Find unique jewelry, chimes and gifts hand-crafted in Tucson by Kira Geddes
at CasaKira
Grab a 12 oz bag of Black Market Espresso from Arizona coffee roasters Cartel Coffee Lab!
“With caramel notes, milk chocolate, and grapefruit, you will not forget this coffee in a macchiato or true cappuccino!”
Total MissFIT was created to provide a single place to shop for the best female-specific outdoor recreation and fitness gear. MissFITs are into all sorts of activities so we sell everything from yoga gear and fitness/dance poles to skateboards, backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents. Get your gear here!
In addition to twisted wire bracelets and lampwork beads (see image), Twisted Sisters’ Designs also work in enamels, chainmaille, fused glass, painted silk scarves, resin, Precious Metal Clay, and soldered pieces, resulting in beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings, beaded accessories, silk scarves, and rings.
Rub a Dub Baby Luv offers locally handmade skin care for baby and Mom! Our Baby Bubbles Shampoo and Body Wash uses the calming essential oils of lavender and chamomile to turn any bath into a relaxed bonding experience. This foaming gel is sulfate and paraben free, plus certified vegan too!
Why are Arizona Sun® Skin Care products so ideal? Because they were developed in Arizona, where we enjoy bright sunshine almost every day of the year– ideal conditions for skin care and tanning research.
Humble Seed specializes in premium garden seed kits that are packaged and themed for convenience and ease!
Enjoy a flavorful, healthful glass of fresh-brewed Passion Fruit Iced Tea anytime! Shop our site for flavorful blends of iced and hot teas blended right here in Arizona!
The Mother-Daughter team of GoodyTwos Toffee Company joyfully blends traditional small batch recipes with a fun twist! The perfect indulgence to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Great for Thank you, Birthday, Holiday & Corporate Gifting
~ Lantana Ranch Organics – Organic & Natural Products for Everyday Living – where Earth touches Life~
10% of our profits go directly to fighting cancer locally through our support of the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson
Welcome your new neighbors or guests (or just treat yourself!) with this
gorgeous fair trade, hand made shopping tote filled with the most amazing
products from local Arizona businesses, from Good Gifts Naturally!
Organic Harvest Hot Sauces, made in Arizona, are fiery and full of flavor. Try the gift set for only $9.99! Shop our site for thousands of organic and natural products shipped right to your door from shopOrganic.com.
Available from GoGo Natural, Fuzzi Bunz One-Size Pocket Diapers are the easy modern cloth diaper to save money & the environment from birth to potty training!
A two-time, international award winner… right in our own back yard! Now with true, all-natural shampoos that work! Two healthy formulas. $23.90. Combos and trials available, too, from NaturOli
You can pick up a 6 pack of logo pint glasses from Four Peaks Brewery, a true Arizona favorite! $30
For every 1 year subscription sold to Arizona Highways Magazine, $5 is donated to the Arizona State Parks Foundation!
A fragrant moisturizer and shower scrub in one! 3 jars of LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrub Set for only $28 from Beauty at Skin Deep
Recreate Captain Kidd’s infamous pirate ship! Available from Hobby Action for only $25.99
100% Natural long lasting dog chew, no splinters! Wild deer shed their antlers once a year as part of a natural process, after which the deer re-grow another set. The antlers are cut to size, cleaned, and packaged. No plastic or chemicals, rich in calcium and phosphorus! $35.50 from Doggie Style
Pick up the latest book from your favorite author (ebooks also available!) from Changing Hands Bookstore
Shop CRIZMAC’s Art & Cultural Education catalog for beautiful works, including Mexican folk art!
Check out some of the employees’ favorite products from Frances Vintage!
Many concerns that I’ve heard about the difficulty of shopping locally can be summed up as “local businesses are hard to find and cost more than [insert chain here].” Yeah, sometimes chains can undercut prices on certain items and also have the advantage of national branding/advertising. This certainly doesn’t mean that they’re always cheaper or better. Last summer we began working with HyLo to develop a location-based mobile application that gives local businesses the opportunity to 1. Be Found and 2. Promote Specials & Events. The cool thing about this is how varied Local First Arizona businesses are; you can open this app and see anything from coffee deals to book promotions to floor cleaning to PR/marketing offers. It really showcases the Arizona that we all know and love, all of the things that really distinguish Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, et al. from other US cities.
When you first open the app, you see promotions & events near you
Promotions & Events
So how does this thing work? It’s basically split into a couple of different sections. When you first open the app, you see any promotions or events running in your area. You can tap on anything that interests you to get more info on it. Or you can rotate your phone horizontally to get a map view; on that screen you can choose as many things as you want and map all of the businesses locations at once. The businesses themselves can post these deals in no time flat on their computer… we envision things like a business having a slow day, posting a deal like “Next three people to come in and mention LFA get a half-price coffee” or something. Anyone nearby who looks at the app will see that deal pop up seconds after the business posts it. We think this is an incredibly convenient tool for both the business and the customer!
The directory is the same as our online directory, only mobile and with the availability to call the business or check out their website with a single tap
Local Directory
The other main feature of the app is the directory. This is basically the directory you see on our website in mobile form, only with more general categories. So if you’re looking for a locally-owned restaurant to check out, you would tap “Food & Dining” and then choose a category like “Italian”, “Mexican”, etc… you know, whatever you’re in the mood for. Then you’ll get an alphabetical list of those restaurants, all locally-owned. (Note: we’re developing the directory to also be location-based so that the list will be ordered by those nearest you. Look for that feature in an upcoming update)
Flip your phone horizontal to get the map view
The big plan is to share this app with other Buy Local and Local First organizations around the country. Ideally, you could use this same app and go to Buffalo, NY, where it would pull from their membership data and you would instantly have a list of all of the locally-owned (i.e. where the locals shop and eat).
We also plan on working to develop this for other mobile platforms such as Android, Palm Pre, and more. In addition, HyLo has created a widget that will display all of the deals and events posted by the businesses on any web browser. You can enter your zip code and adjust the radius to see all of the happenings in your area. We will be implementing this on our website as well as sharing it with other sites and blogs who have an interest in supporting local businesses. This also means that you should be able to view the deals on any mobile browser on platforms that we have not developed for.
Update: The widget is live over on our site. Check it out, let us know what you think! If you’re interested in hosting this widget that shows deals and events from locally-owned businesses on your own site or blog, let me know and I’ll get you the code.
Your comments, suggestions, and total disses are welcome. We really want your feedback to make this truly a community effort! Let your favorite Local First businesses know that you want to see their deals posted! Tell non Local First businesses what we’ve got going on! We want to make it as convenient as possible to find what you’re looking for from a locally-owned source, and we hope this app makes it a little easier.
Tap on any promotions that interest you
to get the details
You can use this screen to edit the search criteria
This could be interesting… I’m not exactly in the center of the political world, but I have to say our economy here in Arizona has a lot more room to expand and breathe than in most other cities in our nation. It’s such a young state in constant flux with plenty of potential, and this potential could go either way. Doesn’t it make sense to have the actual business sector weighing in on these decisions? Use the comment box below to weigh in, I’m interested in your opinions…
Governor pitches plan to privatize commerce department
Gov. Jan Brewer on Wednesday unveiled a plan to privatize the Arizona Department of Commerce.
The model calls for a private-sector leadership board and pushes the state to be more responsive to the needs of the business community and seek more opportunities.
The quasi-public relationship will continue to manage state incentives in attracting and expanding businesses, while engaging the private-sector through a 15-member board composed of CEOs from across Arizona and chaired by the governor, said ADOC spokesman David Drennon.
It’s that time of year, where we the public get a chance to cast our votes for our favorite spots in AZ! We at Local First Arizona want to congratulate all of our members who were nominated, for not only being awesome at whatever they were nominated for but also for being committed to our local economy! Check out some of the businesses below to find out what all of the talk is about…
DINING & FOOD
Best Dessert
Deep Dish Apple Pie – Bill Johnson’s Big Apple Restaurants
In the time I’ve worked for Local First Arizona I’ve come across many, many studies in my research that point to the benefits of supporting local business and dispel many of the myths disseminated by the large corporations or just from plain ignorance: national chains don’t consistently have the best bargains, they often do not “bring more jobs” to a region without taking away even more, they don’t have the same commitment to a region as locally-owned businesses, and their perceived convenience can carry high costs under the surface.
The greater monetary and cultural impact of the local businesses has been proven time and again… but don’t take my word for it. Below are some of the studies that I’ve found most useful, feel free to cite them to anyone who really believes that doing a majority of their spending with the chains is convenient and isn’t hurting anyone.
A Civic Economics study commissioned by Local First Arizona reveals that public procurement from a local supplier generates “dramatically greater local economic activity” than procurement from a chain business. This study compared the local economic impact of Wist Office Products, a local supplier and LFA member, with Office Max Contract, a division of Office Max, after the state of Arizona dropped Wist from its stable of office suppliers.
The Urban Conservancy in partnership with Civic Economics
A 2009 study in New Orleans finds that shifting 10% of spending from chains to locally-owned businesses would create hundreds of new jobs and have the equivalent of injecting $60 Million annually in the form of recirculating currency.
A 2008 study in Michigan shows that shifting 10% of spending from chains to locally-owned businesses would create nearly $140 Million in new economic activity, add over 1600 new jobs to the area, and provide over $50 Million in new wages.
A 2007 study in San Francisco analyzes the market share of several categories to find out what percentage is held by chains or locally-owned businesses. It then calculates that if 10% of spending were shifted from chains to locals it would increase economic output by almost $192 Million, create almost 1300 new jobs, provide almost $72 Million in new income for workers, and create over $15 Million in additional retail activity.
A 2002 study in Austin found that for every $100 spent at a chain bookstore, the economic impact was $13, whereas when spent with a local bookstore the economic impact was $45. It also shows that local merchants spend a much larger portion of total revenue on local labor to run the enterprise and sell the merchandise, keep their modest profits in the local economy, and provide strong support for local artists and authors, creating further local economic impact.
A 2004 study (an extension of the Economic Impact study in Austin, 2002) compares the economic impact of ten Andersonville businesses and their chain competitors and finds that for every $100 in consumer spending with a local firm, $68 remains in the Chicago economy whereas for every $100 in consumer spending with a chain firm, $43 remains in the Chicago economy. The study also states that great care must be taken to ensure that public policy decisions do not inadvertently disadvantage locally owned businesses. Indeed, it may be in the best interests of communities to institute policies that directly protect them.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Friends of Midcoast Maine
A 2003 study in Maine found that when residents of the Midcoast region spend $100 at a big box retailer, their purchase generates $14 in local spending by the retailer. That same $100 spent at a locally owned business generates $45 in local spending, or three times as much. Dollars spent at a local retailer support not only that store, but a variety of other local businesses, including local banks, accountants, printers, and internet service providers.
This 2002 study in Massachusetts finds that big box retail, shopping centers, and fast food restaurants cost taxpayers in Barnstable more than they make in revenue, where gains were made by specialty retail (including small businesses).
Stacy Mitchell (New Rules Project) & the Preservation Trust of Vermont
This 60 page publication by Stacy Mitchell of the New Rules Project details the importance of local business and points out the importance of community engagement to create downtown revitalizations, sustainable planning policies, and curbing urban sprawl.
Santa Fe Independent Business & Community Alliance and Angelou Economics
A 2003 Santa Fe study shows how national chains in that city are growing at a rapid rate, resulting in a large outflow of money from the local economy. It details how impact of dollars spent at independent businesses deliver two times the economic impact of spending at national chains.
32,000 Consumer Report readers were surveyed about their drugstores and pharmacies. Published in 2003, the findings showed that more than 85% of customers at independent drugstores were very satisfied or completely satisfied with the experience, with only a 58% approval for chain drugstores. Also the highest prescription prices were found at the national chains.
A survey finds that independent retailers, especially those in communities with “Buy Local” campaigns, showed stronger numbers throughout the holidays than did national chains.
Sustainable Connections, survey by Applied Research Northwest
A 2006 study shows that 58% of Bellingham, WA citizens are aware of their Local First program and as a result are changing their purchasing habits. “These results are phenomenal. Normally, if 1 in 5 households claim familiarity with your program, and change their behavior because of it you would consider it a success. To have nearly 3 in 5 households attributing a behavior change to this program shows an amazing impact.” Dr. Pamela Jull, lead researcher.
This past weekend was the first annual Devoured Culinary Classic at the Phoenix Art Museum, and it was an absolute success by all accounts! Put together by Devour Phoenix (a restaurant coalition formed under the umbrella of Local First Arizona), R Entertainment, and the Phoenix Art Museum, Devoured aimed at showcasing the best chefs and restaurants that the valley has to offer, with foods being paired with local wines and beers. With so many great talents in our own backyard, Devoured proved that you don’t need to import national talents to have an incredibly successful event!
But don’t take our word for it, check out what the bloggers and critics had to say:
![DSC01850 [640x480]](http://localfirstaz.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/DSC01850-640x480-300x225.jpg "DSC01850 [640x480]")
