Why buy local?

July 15, 10:00 PMGreen Business ExaminerShawna Bohan

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An excerpt from boulderganic - a publication of the Boulder Weekly newspaper in Boulder, Colorado.  June, 2009.

In these difficult economic times, it is perhaps more important than ever to buy local.  Studies have shown that a higher percentage of every dollar spent in local, independent businesses is returned to the local residents, as compared to money spent in corporations and chain stores. 

"They've done so many studies," says Jennifer Johnson, executive director of the Boulder Independent Business Alliance (BIBA).  "One study shows two to three times more money stays local if you buy from an independent store because they buy their services and products as local as they can.  [A local, independent business] will use a local accountant and local marketing, those kinds of things.  I think it depends on the community and also the type of industry that they're comparing; however, the statistics are compelling." 

To learn more about how to start or find and Independent Business Alliance in your area, visit the American Independent Business Alliance at www.amiba.com.  AMIBA has encouraged cities across the country to take an active role in protecting their local economies.