Why Buy Local? Supporting your community equals a lifetime of benefitsReid Office Supply

Economic ImpactMoney spent with Walker County businesses stays inWalker County

For every $100 dollars spent at a local business, as much as $68 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 when the same amount is spent at a chain store.

Andersonville Study of Retail Economics

Economic ImpactEvery dollar spent locally will turnover 5-7 more times in our economy, based upon the national average

Dollars spent with local businesses (68% on first $100)Dollars spent with chain stores (43% on first $100)THE BUCK STAYS HEREDollars invested with local independently owned businesses earn a significantly higher rate of community return +58%$198$125

Economic ImpactLocal businesses provide a strong foundation for the community - taxes, fees, and other assessmentsThese fees support public services, education, parks, and other essential community programsChain stores are often granted tax subsidies and other preferential treatment that reduce their contributions to the local community

Job CreationBuying Local Creates and Sustains JobsSmall businesses are the largest employer nationally and provide the most new jobs to local residentsA chain store may create new jobs, but numerous studies indicate they displace more than one job for each job created

Freedom of ChoiceOur freedom of choice is greatly diminished without a vibrant local business community Even though a big chain outlet may have a broad product offering, a number of independent businesses create greater diversity and options

Social ImpactNon-profit organizations receive an average 250% greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businessesWhen you shop local, youre supporting the businesses that support local churches, schools, charities, youth groups, sports programs and more

Community CharacterSupporting local independent businesses preserves the character and uniqueness of the communityIt encourages entrepreneurial spirit which attracts new commerce and creates new jobs

Why Shop Local?Local Businesses:Keep more money in our communityContribute more to the local tax baseCreate more jobsEnsure choices and foster competitionSupport local charities and community causesPreserve what makes our community special

What Were DoingAmong others, a portion of our profits are shared with: Covenant House for Homeless YouthStar of Hope for Houstons HomelessKSBJ 89.3 Radio Ministry

We are members of: Huntsville-Walker Co. Chamber of CommerceLivingston-Polk Co. Chamber of CommercePreferred Partners

SourcesThinking Outside the Box: A Report on Independent Merchants and the Local Economy, Sept 2009Local Works: Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy, Sept 2008Procurement Matters: The Economic Impact of Local Suppliers, Nov 2007The San Francisco Retail Diversity Study, May 2007Job Creation or Destruction? Labor-Market Effects of Wal-Mart Expansion, University of Missouri, Feb 2005 The Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, Oct 2004The Economic Impact of Locally Owned Businesses vs. Chains: A Case Study in Midcoast Maine, Sept 2003

Why Buy Local? Supporting your community equals a lifetime of benefitsReid Office Supply

*There are valuable benefits to buying fromlocal businesses that positively effectvarious aspects of your life including: Economic Social Value Environmental Governmental

*Money Spent Here, Stays Here When you buy from locally-ownedbusinesses, more money is used to makepurchases from other local business andservice providers. The money circulates andis spent and re-spent in the community,benefiting everyone who lives there.*********