I’ve just recently heard about this movement and wanted to share it with all of you, because it  has an interesting and really important mission.  They are encouraging us all to think about the local impact our consumer dollars make.  They ask a provocative question:  What independently-owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared?  Their suggestions:  Stop in; say hello; pick up something that makes you smile, because  your purchases are what keep those businesses around.

Interesting statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor:  if half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.  Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the employed population did that.

For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.  If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here.  Spend it online, and nothing comes home.

This is not new information – we’ve heard this stuff before.  But it is a good reminder that we all have a great deal of power with our choices.  We ARE voting with our dollars.   This difficult economy will turn around in time, and it will do so from the bottom up.  I for one intend to be a little more deliberate in supporting the local businesses I don’t want to do without.  I hate losing favorite haunts!

For more information, visit their website, or pick up more information here.  http://www.the350project.net.