articles

We Love Locally Owned, Independent Businesses

Change your spending habits today and make a big impact on tomorrow!

February 10, 2011

3

Think about three independently-owned business you'd miss most if they were gone.  Stop in and say hello.  Buy a little something.  Your purchase sustains those businesses. Help keep them around!

50

If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently-owned businesses, their purchase would generate more that $42.6 billion in revenue.  

68

For every $100 spent in independently-owned store, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.  If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here.  Spend it online and nothing comes home.

1

The number of people it takes to start the trend......you.

The idea is simple enough, isn't it?  Spend at least $50 a month at independent local businesses and make a measurable, positive impact on the local economy.  Not sure what constitutes an independent business? Check out definitions of "independent" at www.the350project.net.  Better yet, take a look at the business directory at www.localfirstAZ.com for a list of the locally owned businesses that form the backbone of the Arizona economy.  

Similar to the 3/50 project, Local First Arizona, along with Shift Arizona, are campaigns to shift the spending habits of Arizona residents toward local businesses.  Shift Arizona's goal is for each individual (and business and non-profit) to allocate 10% of their spending to local businesses.  There is a calculator on the Shift Arizona  website to help you estimate what your personal impact on the local economy could be if you made this subtle change in your shopping behavior.  EVERY person makes a difference.  Commit to 3/50 or 10% today!

For a growing list of family-friendly, local Tucson businesses, check out the East Tucson Macaroni Kid Business Directory.  Many of the businesses we highlight are independent and locally owned.  Do you own a local business? Contact us to find out how to get a basic listing for free.