Jul 1, 2009

Hinsdale shopping plan would boost local economyBy Kristen ZamboChicagoTribune.com

Amid a challenging economic climate, a Hinsdale business organization has a challenge for shoppers: spend $50 a month at small businesses in the village.

The concept, being adopted by other municipal and business leaders across the country as well, seeks to buoy the local economy and prevent more mom-and-pop-style shops from closing. Customers are asked to pick three independently owned businesses that they cannot live without and shop there regularly. They also are challenged to spend at least $50 at one of the businesses each month.

“We are still here and would love to remain here,” said Jan Anderson, executive director of the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, which endorsed the 3/50 Project in April. “Across the nation so many small businesses are closing.”

There are 6,164 households in Hinsdale, she said. If they spend $50 each month, they will generate $308,200 for independent shops.

The village receives 1 percent of that back in retail sales tax revenue, Anderson said, which translates into money to repair roads and sidewalks and for other public projects.

“That’s why we would like to support our community. Every little bit helps,” she said.

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