Feb 28, 2011

Getting A Boost From ‘Buy Local’ Campaigns In Summit CountyBy Kathryn CorazzelliSummitDaily.com

For many independent businesses, developing a strategy to compete with neighboring big-box retailers is a real anxiety trigger. However, enterprises backed by community-wide Buy Local campaigns — such as “Summit Unchained” run by the Summit Independent Business Alliance — appear to be suffering from less stress than their counterparts without the programs. A recent national survey of independent businesses shows more than twice the sales growth for enterprises in communities partaking in such campaigns, compared to establishments in areas lacking such programs.

Businesses in areas with the campaigns experienced an average revenue growth of 5.6 percent in 2010, while those without experienced an average of 2.1 percent annual revenue growth. The survey was conducted in Jan. 2011 by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and includes data from nearly 3,000 retailers, service providers, restaurants and other companies from across the United States.

Summit Independent Business Alliance executive director Katie Roberts said county enterprises backed by the “support local” campaign benefit from education concerning community development.

“I think the buy/support local messaging that SIBA and its members have delivered to the community has helped educate people about their purchasing choices and the impacts those choices have on our local economy,” she said. “You cannot shop or support a business without there being a series of direct and indirect consequences.”

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