We’re proud new members of Local First Arizona! Local First Arizona (LFA) is a statewide non-profit organization working to strengthen communities and local economies through growing, supporting, and celebrating locally owned businesses throughout the state of Arizona. Supporting local businesses is a no brainer – here are some reasons why:
Boosts the Local Economy
When you spend money at a independent, locally owned business as opposed to nationally owned or chain businesses, a significantly higher percentage of that money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers, farms and ranches, etc. — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. This diversifies the economy, so when there are economic downturns, there will still be more jobs, giving an opportunity for economic growth. Studies show that local businesses are known to give more to local charities than large chain companies, giving revenue back into the community.
To read more key studies on why local matters and the economic impacts, click here.
Provides Jobs
Not just provides jobs, but provides jobs to your community. When you purchase something locally, you’re not buying some CEO in another state his second vacation home, but instead helping the kid down the street pay for his little league jersey, or your neighbor put food on the dinner table. You are keeping a business open that may need every single sale they can get, and in return, you get a quality product or service by locals that care about each and every customer. When purchasing from a local business, you really get the full experience of seeing the time and effort put into the goods they provide to the community by the people who really care.
Keeps it unique, keeps it ours
Northern Arizona is full of one-of-a-kind businesses that are all part of the reason we love to call it home. The local places where we eat, shop, and have fun are what make our community ours, and not just any. Why wouldn’t we support them? When buying from a large company, all they see in customers is numbers. When choosing to support locals, customers are seen as family. Local businesses want the best final result for you, not your money.
Reduces Environmental Impact
It is easier for independently owned businesses to make their purchases locally, cutting down on transportation costs and pollution. When products don’t need to travel as far to get to their destination, this also reduces the amount of packaging used, creating less waste! Typically, local businesses source their products locally as well, reducing the environmental impact even further. They are located right in the community as well, so whether you’re going into a shop or business or you hire someone for a job, it’s just down the road.
Provides Better Service
Locally owned, independent companies are more likely to be passionate about what they do, their employees, and their customers. You will be talking to people who are far more experienced in their field and while they depend on customer loyalty, you can be sure they want to make you happy in any way possible.
To read Sustainable Connection‘s top 10 reasons to think local, buy local, and be local — click here!
If you’re trying to be more sustainable and keep your money circulating in your area, consider your local options before purchasing from large corporations. You may have to do a little more digging to be able to find these businesses, but you will surely not regret it when you’re given a quality service right in your community!
