Local First
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Why Local First?
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We chose "Local First" as our name because it sums up our goal: we want people to think local first when they have something to buy – whether it be food, goods or services. If a local business is not available or does not meet your needs, then of course you should seek out a chain store or internet company that can satisfy you. We are not preaching “local only.” If we can divert a large chunk of the money we send out of state to locally owned businesses, the benefits would be considerable – financially and otherwise.
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Common Questions about Local First Campaigns
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(1) Aren't local goods and services more expensive?
(2) Isn't Local First protectionist?
(3) Does Local First seek to subsidize inefficient local business?
(4) How sound is the methodology for the studies that show a better local multiplier for locally owned businesses?
(5) Aren't local businesses less regulated and therefore worse for the environment?
(6) Don't local businesses pay worse wages?
(7) Shouldn't we leave the market alone?
(8) Are Local First Campaigns legal?
(9) Won't Local First hurt the poor in the Third World from whom we import?
(10) Is Local First a front for a radical agenda?
Need something?
It just takes a little shift in mindset to think about local options for goods and services first before making a purchasing decision. Think Local First!
Local First Fact
In study after study, researchers have found that the economic impact of shopping for goods and services at locally-owned businesses is significantly greater than at non-local alternatives. For instance, in Austin, TX Civic Economics found that for every $100 spent at a local bookstore $45 stayed local, but for every $100 spent at a chain store only $13 stayed local. Transfering some of this money from chain or internet businesses to local businesses can have a huge impact! Think Local First!
