The Corvallis Independent Business Alliance and the  Corvallis Sustainability Coalition kick-offs an ongoing Buy Local First campaign this Saturday. The movement is geared toward considering local businesses when making purchases. Money spent in a locally owned business generates more economic benefits, measured in income, wealth, jobs and tax revenue than when spent at a globally owned business.

Why Buy Local First?

• Prosperity: Of every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the local economy.  Only $13 of every $100 spent at a chain store stays in the community.
• Stability: Local ownership minimizes the chance that a company or business will pull up stakes and move to another town.
• Flexibility: Local business owners are generally more available to their customers and more interested in developing personal relationships, value feedback and accommodate customers’ requests.
• Diversity: Local businesses help a community retain its unique character.
• Sustainability: Spending money at a locally owned business decreases transportation costs, reduces the use of underpaid labor and rewards those who are not outsourcing jobs.

The first event for this Buy Local First Day campaign is scheduled for Saturday, December 3rd, 2011. Residents are encouraged to visit locally owned businesses for special treats, sales or discounts. Buy Local First Day also kicks off a contest seeking out 'Buy Local Heroes'.   Participants in the contest can turn in receipts for money spent, from December 3rd – 17th for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

Shoppers save their receipts from locally owned independent businesses from purchases made between December 3rd and December 17th, 2011. The dollar value of any given receipt has no bearing in the determination of winners in the contest.  Shoppers may save their receipts in the Buy Local First envelopes available at participating CIBA businesses, or they may use a standard business size envelope with the words “Buy Local Hero Contest” written on it along with the shopper’s name, telephone number, and email address.

Drop off your filled, securely sealed envelope at one of the following businesses:

• A& S Accounting at 316 SW Washington Ave Corvallis

• Footwise at 301 SW Madison Ave Corvallis

• Animal Crackers Pet Supply at 949 NW Kings Blvd Corvallis
  
  Be sure that your name, telephone number, and email address are filled in the space provided.
  
  OR mail your filled, securely sealed envelope to CIBA c/o A & S Accounting, 316 SW Washington Ave, Corvallis OR 97333.
  
  OR scan your receipts and email them to info@corvallisiba.org making sure to include the words “Buy Local Hero Contest” in the subject line and your name and telephone number in the email.
  
  All entries, including snail mail, must be received by December 21st, 2011.
  
  The shopper who turns in receipts from the greatest number of locally owned businesses will be the winner. There will be first, second and third place winners. The applicability of any submitted receipt will be solely at the discretion of, and the three winners will be determined by, the BLF Campaign Coordinating Committee. Winners will receive a gift basket with prizes provided by CIBA businesses.

Shop locally, and be well this holiday season!

Winners will be announced and contacted on December 28th, 2011.