"Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local"
Warren Jimenez
"When you patronize locally owned, independent businesses, up to 3 times more money stays in the local community," stated Sam at a press conference to encourage consumers to buy at locally owned businesses.
Sustainable Business Network of Portland started the Think Local First campaign a year ago with 30 members. Today, they have grow to nearly 300 locally owned businesses who have signed on to this economic initiative.
On average, Americans will spend $681 per person during the holiday 
season. Shopping locally owner businesses could mean keeping $264 per person, instead of only $88, in our community.
To find out where you can shop locally, go to www.thinklocalportland.org.
Posted by Warren Jimenez on November 25, 2005
(3) Comments | Permalink | TrackBack (0)
Filed Under Front Page, Jobs & Economy, Wal-Mart
Comments by site visitors
“Think Local, Buy Local, Be Local” is also a good rule for city government to follow. Just selling the concept to the public and the City itself not taking the same course would be political rhetoric. Taking the concept a step further, the City must also hire local (Oregon), and buy American. That means requiring a history of established Oregon residency and no more nationwide searches when filling bureau chief and top official vacancies. Hiring an individual for one of these positions who is already an Oregonian means another position has been vacated that can be filled by yet another Oregonian maintaining job sustainability. Buying American keeps jobs manufacturing jobs in the US. Buying American also means buying cars and trucks for the City fleet from US manufacturers, no matter what the foreign competition has to offer. If the market share of American products is not maintained or improved. family wage jobs will continue to be outsourced thereby hurting the entire US economy. A good example of this job erosion is the 60 plus jobs scheduled for extinction in Beaverton when GM closes their parts warehouse on TV Highway. These jobs currently pay well over 20 dollars an hour.
Posted by: Terry | Nov 27, 2005 11:21:14 AM
I like what Terry said and following the same thought...
How about city RFP's be written so that large, out of the area contractors who are awarded projects like the tram or the big pipe be required to subcontract a certain percentage of the project to local firms. Personally, I don't think there's that many projects that local firms couldn't handle and they should be given first crack at many of these projects, but when they can't it would be nice to see some of it shared with us local folks.
Posted by: Dave Lister | Nov 29, 2005 4:12:06 PM
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Sometimes I buy local - like paying $5 for 1 luggage tag only because I liked the little shop (Eugene).
People should not start up a business unless they can be competitive - in price and/or quality. For example, I might go to a local bookstore and check out some books only to go online and get that same book at a lower cost.
Another example - I can buy our soy milk at Costco at at least $1.50 less per half gallon than what the union grocery store sells it for.
Anyone that owns a business must realize the priority is the consumer - not their store. Advice: Don't start a store thinking everyone will frequent your store just because you're local.
Posted by: JustaDog | Nov 25, 2005 3:48:41 PM