Keep it Local Campaign

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"Keep it Local" refers to our deep commitment to these islands and our community. Rather than only buying local, Keep it Local suggests our larger role as stewards because thinking and acting locally has dramatic impacts on our community, economy and environment. We may not be able to buy everything we need or use from local independent businesses, but if we first look for local sources for the things we need, we can improve the impact of our daily actions and purchasing decisions.

The goal is to create a thriving local economy by maximizing the potential of local businesses, and transferring market share (business, government and consumer purchases) from non-locally owned businesses to local, independently-owned businesses.

One of the greatest things an individual can do to support their community is to patronize its locally owned businesses. Compared to their national competitors, local independent businesses recycle, on average, more than three times the money back into the local economy and give greater support to a community's nonprofit and civic needs. They are better positioned to respond to the special needs of the community, and they are more tied to the community's future. Additionally, a community with vibrant independent businesses retains its unique character as a great place to live and visit.

Money Spent Locally Stays Local

The four largest components of local spending are wages and benefits paid to employees, goods and services purchased from other local businesses, profits that accrued to local owners, and taxes paid to local and state government. These businesses bank locally, use local accountants, advertise in local publications, purchase inventory from local manufacturers, use local internet service providers and repair people, etc.

Research has shown that small local businesses average up to five times more contributions to communities and neighborhoods.

Local, independent businesses account for most of the job growth in the state and provide some of the most stable employment opportunities.

Additionally, an economy of diverse, unique businesses attracts today's skilled workers and investors who can choose to settle and grow businesses anywhere. These one-of-a-kind communities also attract tourists who aren't interested in visiting communities that have transformed themselves into Anyplace, USA with cookie cutter developments and franchises.

Local businesses usually require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services versus big-box stores. The taxes paid by large retailers often do not cover the increase in public services that are required and the difference can be dramatic. While small stores generate a net annual surplus (tax revenue minus costs), big-box stores, strip shopping centers and fast-food outlets require more in services than they produce in revenue, thus creating an annual tax deficit.

Diverse and numerous small and independent businesses provide a stable tax base and generally require less costly infrastructure and public services, thereby providing a good return on investment to local governments.

That strong tax base can also support public projects, schools and cultural activities, enhancing the quality of life in a community. Community and non-profit organizations benefit from the financial, in-kind and volunteer support of local businesses.

Local Ownership Lessens Ecological Impact

In addition to building a strong economic base, supporting the local community, and creating new jobs, independent businesses located in central business districts have less impact on local ecosystems compared to larger retailers located in strip malls or stand-alone buildings. To accommodate large retail development, roads and parking lots must be built, which results in a greater reliance on cars and an increase in auto emissions. As big-box stores and chain retailers consume more and more undeveloped land, polluted runoff from their parking lots is placing an ever-greater burden on the streams and coastal waters.

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions about Keep it Local Campaigns

*(Most of this content has been repurposed from the BALLE website).