Buying Local is Good for the Local Economy and Job Creation

Everyone who is a consumer or buyer for a business in Valparaiso can greatly help the local economy with the simple act of buying from local Valpo Chamber members. The simple reality is that local businesses employ local people and those dollars spent locally, going right back into the local economy in terms of payroll and local property taxes. Let’s not forget local businesses support local not-for-profits and local charities as well as churches and many other local organizations.
The Times Media Company and the Valpo Chamber have teamed up to promote a “Buy Local” campaign for the next 26 weeks beginning in August. Chamber members will have the opportunity to purchase advertising packages at a reduced rate and will be sent a buy local sticker to signify their identity as a local business where the Chamber and the Times encourages consumers to shop.

Surveys around the country have found that local businesses benefit where there are “Buy Local” campaigns. In a recent 2011 survey, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance found:

• 41% of local businesses said it brought in new customers to their businesses.
• 61 % of local businesses surveyed said they had revenue growth over the 54% of the previous year.
• Those areas that had “Buy Local” initiatives reported revenue growth of 7.2% in 2011 compared to a 2.6% for those areas without the initiative.  

We encourage all consumers in the Valparaiso Area to shop with Chamber members who make up the great critical mass of our local Economy. 
Rex Richards, President
richards@valparaisochamber.org

 

Ribbon Cuttings put Chamber Members a “Cut Above” the Rest!

A ribbon cutting ceremony typically symbolizes a new start.

Just like a couple beginning a new life together, a new business can use a ribbon-cutting ceremony to show the public that it is open for business. Historically, a ribbon stretched across an entryway signifies that what is behind the ribbon is waiting to be “presented to the world.”

This month, that might be a hot dog eatery or a candy store!

The Valpo Chamber conducts ribbon cuttings to signify the grand opening of a brand new business or new location; the celebration of a special anniversary; the expansion of a business; or, a business under new ownership.

Our role is to assist the owner of the business with their celebration. We post the event on our website and in our newsletter, and send a reminder before the event. On the day of the event, we bring the ceremonial scissors (no running with them!), the camera for the photo op, and the ribbon. Sometimes city officials attend as well. But, the rest is up to the business owner and how they want to celebrate.

Ribbon cuttings are scheduled by request, and vary from month to month. Last year we conducted 22 ribbon cuttings. In July 2012 alone, we have five scheduled ribbon cutting events, marking a record 22 ribbon events so far! (See our website calendar for dates & places.)

Everyone is welcome to attend ribbon cuttings. They are a great way to check out a new business, welcome a new face, or share in the camaraderie of your fellow chamber members.

Join us at a ribbon cutting event, won’t you?

Danielle Oeding
Vice President, Sales & Marketing
oeding@valparaisochamber.org