Toledo’s first Buy Local Week

Date : Sat, Nov 24 – Sat, Dec 1, 2007

Web site : http://www.toledochooselocal.com

Toledo Choose Local

"Toledo Choose Local" is Toledo's recently-formed chapter of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).

Toledo Choose Local, formed in August 2007, is a non-profit dedicated to creating awareness of the importance of local, independently-owned businesses in the Toledo area.

Toledo Choose Local is a coalition of people from local businesses and non-profits, concerned citizens and government representatives working together to strengthen the viability and competitiveness of local businesses in the Toledo area, and to promote the overall social, economic, and environmental health of our economy and communities.

Mission

The primary mission of Toledo Choose Local is to:

Promote the growth and development of independent, locally-owned businesses in the Toledo area.
Educate individuals, business and government about how to have a more positive impact on their community and the environment.
Creatively alter stakeholder behavior in favor of local purchasing by consumers and businesses.
Help inform and sustain Toledo’s unique independent business sector

Buy Local Pledge

From the Toledo Choose Local Web site :

I pledge to think local first when seeking out a business to meet my need.
I pledge to recommend local alternatives to others when shopping for goods and services, dining out, meeting friends, etc.
I pledge to support my local non-profit organizations.
I pledge to purchase local produce and other foods from local vendors whenever possible.
I pledge that I will do my best to keep more of my hard earned dollars circulating in my community by making more purchases at local, independently-owned businesses in the Toledo area.

Local Holiday Shopping Guide?

Some weeks ago, I found this page on Arbor Wiki titled Buy Local Ypsilanti :

In December 2006, Ypsilanti celebrated "Buy Local Week", with Ypsilanti Mayor Paul Schreiber leading a pledge to do all holiday shopping at local, independent stores. A "Holiday Shopping Guide" trifold was distributed with a directory of local businesses; this page is intended as the online version of that guide.

I'm not sure if Toledo Choose Local plans to produce a Holiday Shopping Guide that lists the local, independent stores in metro Toledo. Might be a little late for such a guide for this season, since Toledo Choose Local only officially formed a few months ago. As business membership increases, maybe a hard copy guide will be available next year.

Buy Local Week

The info listed on the Toledo Choose Local Web site :

Toledo’s first ever Buy Local Week will be Saturday November 24 – Saturday December 1! During this week, we encourage Toledoans to Think Local First, before going out to do their holiday shopping. What are you going to buy? Is there a place here in town that has what you are looking for? Stop there first to see what they have to offer. 40% more money stays in our community when purchases are made at independently owned businesses as opposed to national chains!

Unfortunately, the site also lists this barf :

County Commissioners to pass an official “Buy Local Week” Resolution – Coming Soon!

Symbolic horsecrap from government. Can't something be done without political officials planting their mugs and inane thoughts in front of the public? Quiet backing from government is fine, but this buy local idea better be something that's nearly 100% driven by the local business owners, concerned citizens, and the non-profit orgs.

Why is official government support needed via a useless, feel-good resolution? Too much face time from political blowhards is a turnoff. Hell, government gets involved or tries to get involved with development projects that bring in national chains. I think this buy local concept loses credibility when political knuckleheads start spouting off why they think this is a good idea, as if they have all the knowledge and therefore are more enlightened than us shlubs who, by the way, are able to figure out things on our own with the help of an org like "Toledo Choose Local."

We don't need politicians telling us what to do, and if local business owners are relying on politicians to get the message across to the public, then shame on the local business owners. Local business owners shouldn't wait for politicians. Local business owners can provide info within their businesses as to why buying from a local, independent store is important to the local economy and local charm.

(I feel better after those three paragraphs.)

Scavenger Hunt

Here's an interesting idea that can at least get people to visit a local store they have never visited before or maybe never heard of.

During the Buy Local Week, shoppers can pick up a Local Scavenger Hunt playing card at any Toledo Choose Local member business. On the card lists all of the participating businesses with their address. Players must receive a stamp from each of the businesses by visiting that business! Don’t forget to stop by any Toledo Choose Local member business to pick up a playing card starting Monday November 19th!

The Toledo Choose Local Web site contains more info about the Buy Local Week Scavenger Hunt. I see my favorite local business Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op is participating. So now here's an entertaining excuse to at least visit the co-op if you've never been there.

Participating Businesses

Interactive Google map that hopefully lists the correct locations of the participating businesses. Link to larger version of map.

Will have to encourage Steve the owner of My Daily Grind to participate in future endeavors. We all should mention Toledo Choose Local to the owners of our favorite local, independent businesses. And if they choose not to be a member, well, at least you let them know about the initiative.

I think local, independent businesses organized as one big network or organism can achieve more than if they remain separate. Even if two or more local businesses are competing against each other, they may all benefit if they work together in some areas. Maybe purchasing supplies is cheaper if multiple similar local businesses combine their orders. I don't know. Or maybe a local biz in Monroe, Michigan has something that a local biz in Bowling Green, Ohio needs. That might be beyond the scope of Toledo Choose Local, but hopefully, this idea includes more than just the immediate Toledo area.

Why Local?

Below are the highlights with the details on the Toledo Choose Local Web site. I would say replace the word "Toledo" with "the region" or "Lake Erie West" since Toledo Choose Local can include local businesses in surrounding communities. Buy local does not mean only buy in Toledo.

Why Local?

Significantly more money re-circulates in Toledo when purchases are made at locally owned, rather than nationally owned, businesses.
Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive character.
Non-profits receive greater support.
Reduced environmental impact.
Most new jobs are provided by local businesses.
Customer service is better.
Local business owners invest in community.
Public benefits far outweigh public costs.
Competition and diversity leads to more choices.
Encourages investment in Toledo.

created by jr on Nov 13, 2007 at 03:58:10 pm
updated by jr on Nov 13, 2007 at 10:31:35 pm