“Buy Local” is a new chamber initiative designed to spread the word to area residents
about how their support of local businesses impacts our regional economy. Interested
Chamber members can obtain a free “Buy Local” decal for their door to identify them
as a program participant and provide a visible reminder to customers every time
they walk in the door that they are supporting local business.
Want to add the “Buy Local” logo to your website? Chamber members can get download
directions on our
Buy Local Logo Link page.
The message of this initiative is simple:
- Every time you buy items in Anne Arundel County, the tax revenues stay in
the county and support our local services and infrastructure.
- When you buy in the local Odenton/Gambrills/Annapolis areas you improve
the local economy, support jobs and growth in the local area, and maintain the
vital community that we all enjoy.
- When you buy from fellow Chamber members, you also strengthen the entire
business base that allows the Chamber to continue its work on your behalf.
- The local businesses you support frequently contribute to local causes,
including schools, clubs, and charitable organizations.
When we keep it local we all benefit!
To increase community visibility for the “Buy Local” initiative, the Chamber
is using a variety of media to educate the public about the basic message. Look
for articles in The Capital, West County Gazette, The Business Monthly,
and the Chamber E-News. We have also established a special
“Buy Local
– West County” Facebook Page to help promote locally owned businesses.
Looking for additional information on “Buy Local” initiatives and supporting
independent small businesses? The following organizations offer great resources,
usually free:
The 3/50 Project is dedicated to “saving the brick and mortar businesses our
nation is built on.” They offer a basic flyer outlining the economics of buying
local for consumers, as well as special promotions for holidays and specific industries
– all free for you to download and share with your customers!
First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. November 27, 2010 was the first
ever Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is the day we celebrate the
Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S. More than
200 organizations have already joined American Express OPEN, the company’s small
business unit, in declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday.
A variety of resources to encourage people to Shop Small throughout the year are
available on their Facebook page at
Small Business Saturday.