The 10% Shift in South Carolina

Do you want to rebuild our economy and revitalize your community? The 10% Shift wants to help you do just that.

We are a group of local entrepreneurs and citizens from the Lowcountry, and we invite you to join us in growing a movement that will transform our economy. Together we can build a strong Lowcountry and improve our environment by making a modest shift in the way we spend our dollars.

If the 800,000 households in the Lowcountry shifted 10% of their existing purchases from non-local businesses to Local Independents (locally owned and independent businesses) we would see thousands of new jobs created and millions of dollars of new economic activity in the Lowcountry. And all this can begin to happen as soon as people start shifting and without the use of one taxpayer dollar.

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A very nice FAQ page, too.

Why [Arizona] community is uniting to support Bashas'

Excerpts from an interview with Steven Chanen, president of Chanen Construction Co.

1. Could you tell us more about the campaign to support the Bashas' grocery chain?

A group of business and community leaders started "Friends of Bashas' " to communicate to all Arizonans the importance of the Bashas' family of stores. The effort consists of full-page newspaper advertisements, bumper stickers, T-shirts and buttons underscoring how Bashas' has made our community a better place. 

2. Why did you decide to organize this campaign?

Since Bashas' announced its reorganization under Chapter 11, there has been an outpouring of support from those who have benefited from Bashas'. Bashas' is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the few big companies with headquarters in Arizona. Having Bashas' emerge successfully from Chapter 11 ensures this strong, local, independent business

presence.

3. Who are some of the business people or community leaders involved in the Friends of Bashas' campaign?

The Friends of Bashas' currently consists of the following: Jerry Bisgrove, Herman Chanen, Steven R. Chanen, Dan Cracchiolo, Donald Diamond, Karl Eller, Ira Fulton, Ernie Garcia, Larry Gunning, Bruce Halle, Dennis Lyon, Norm McClelland, Benito Mellino, Rose Mofford, Wick Pilcher, Donald Pitt, Bill Pope, Bill Post, Ed Robson and Don Ulrich.

Those interested in telling their own story or supporting this campaign can go to the Facebook page at facebook.com /isupportbashas or send an e-mail to FriendsofBashas@gmail.com.

4. You've said that Eddie Basha has done more good things for people that don't know he did it than perhaps anyone else in the community.

The unique character of Eddie Basha and his company is that, over the years, they have supported thousands of causes, independent of party, politics and business. Eddie just cares. They have donated over $100 million to large and small non-profit and civic organizations throughout the state, including in the small towns. Poet Ezra Pound said, "There is no end of things in the heart." Eddie's friends know that there is no end of things in Eddie Basha's heart.

[link to article]

When recession is over, downtowns will shine

By Hasco Craver

While the depth and duration of the current recession are uncertain, there are compelling reasons to be optimistic about downtown's ability to rebound. There are clear opportunities for downtown to take advantage of consumer, economic and environmental trends that will direct activity back to our central business districts.

[full article]

Card launched to help Kendal residents 'Love Local' (UK)

 By Ian Boydon

A YOUNG pair of entrepreneaurs are launching a scheme to help encourage people in Kendal to shop locally and to help them save money at the same time. 

[article]

Changing the Credit System in Sonoma County with the GoLocal Cooperative

by Philip Beard, Ph.D.
May 30, 2009

Money. It's what everybody needs to run their lives. And right now, everybody's asking: How come we don't have enough money to do what we need to do? Everybody's in the red. States, cities, homeowners, businesses, non-profits. Our jobs are disappearing, our mortgages unpayable, our social services evaporating along with our 401k's. And the banks won't lend us the money we need, even when our government gives it to them to lend! WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? Why is our financial system betraying us? And even more important: What can we do about it?

full article

How Locavores Brought On Local-Washing

Elisabeth Eaves

Shopping close to home at Starbucks and Wal-Mart.

This summer, Starbucks, the world's largest coffee shop operator, reopened one of its Seattle locations under the new name 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea, with faux rustic décor, beer and wine on the menu, and plans to host live music. If 15th Avenue and two other uniquely named stores do well, the company plans to expand its go-local strategy to other cities.

Buy Local vs. Shop Local

Local buying: different from local shopping 

by Billie Stanton

In a story about "local" business, you should hear it from your neighbors: Shopping at the nearby outlet of a national chain isn't equivalent to local buying.

article here