"If you spend $100 at a mega bookstore chain store, about $13 stays in your community. If you spend $100 at a local independent bookstore, about $45 stays in your community." Michael Shuman "Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age" (1998)
Unique communities around the world are launching campaigns to support locally-owned businesses. Some campaigns are in larger population areas and some are more rural, but each campaign expresses how our dollars can make a difference when we go to local dealers. It is said that every dollar you spend in your own community will be spent another five times before leaving the community.
Fernie launched its “Think Local” campaign last winter to encourage everyone to take significant consideration in their shopping and spending decisions. The celebration of our unique character began at the “Welcome to Winter” Christmas light-up, where three members of the Think Local First Coalition stood on the performance deck outside the Arts Station and rhymed their way into people’s hearts. They also performed a story about how people can save themselves from great aggravation and expense by doing their Christmas shopping here in Fernie. Following this playful performance, the Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local” “logo began to be seen throughout the community on local business owner’s doors, on shopper’s hemp bags, and on a local shopper’s discount guide
This winter, the Think Local First Coalition continues to raise local awareness and encourage community self-reliance with a new tool – the Community Coupon Book. This exciting booklet gives local businesses the opportunity to market themselves very inexpensively to locals and visitors alike and it gives Fernie shoppers great deals when they use the coupons in the book.
What: 60 zesty coupons in a snazzy little book that comes with its own sweet carabineer for conveniently clipping to your favorite shopping bag
Why: To create awareness of the tremendous benefits of shopping locally and to support an economically thriving, dynamic and vibrant Fernie
Where: At local businesses throughout Fernie and online at www.ourfernie.com for just $5 each
When: This holiday season and throughout 2007
By doing your shopping locally you access unique local products, quality service, and save time and money by not traveling out of town. Shopping locally means you understand that even if it costs a little more to buy locally, those dollars you spend in your own community are circulated into the local economy and help to preserve Fernie’s unique charm and character. Vibrant local businesses make Fernie a great place to be. Put your money where your house is!
Fernie’s “Think Local First” Coalition is a partnership between:
- The Fernie Chamber of Commerce - a service organization that is dedicated to enhancing the economic future of Fernie and the quality of life for the residents.
- Advocates for Local Living (ALL) - a non-profit citizen group encouraging and creating a local economy that evolves in balance with social and environmental values.
- Local business owners
- Shopping locally is about vibrant, healthy communities, unique products and dependable service. Here’s how it works:
- VIBRANT – Locally-owned businesses build strong communities. Revenue earned by locals circulates back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. Also, local business owners deliver more than what’s in store; they contribute time, products and services to non-profit projects.
- HEALTHY - Walkable neighborhoods are good for the environment. When retail stores and other businesses are located close to residential areas there is less automobile use, fewer parking lots, and more places for people to meet and interact.
- UNIQUE - Distinctive character equals economic advantage. One-of-a-kind businesses – particularly when they market their local area collectively - attract shoppers.
- DEPENDABLE – Local people are responsive. Small businesses begin when their owners feel they have a unique contribution to make; they see a gap that they can fill or a service that they can provide that will improve people’s lives. They are responsive to the needs of their community and therefore they give dependably good service.
