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