Quick Hitting Stimulus Idea- Buy Local!
From my understanding of the economic structure here in the US, strong national economies are dependent on strong local economies. That is, in order for national and international organizations to thrive, consumers in local markets must enough financial freedom to exert their power through purchases. The majority of people working in any communities, particularly here in NH, are employed by local businesses, with no direct affect on the global economy. Thus, shouldn't economic stimulus plans START with the proverbial Main Street? Thoughts?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bob Sanders on -
It sounds good in theory, but how do you do this in real life? Just walk down Main Street, go into local stores (that are still open) and start stuffing the cash register?
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Permalink Reply by Jason C. Blais on -
Bob, in my opinion, this is just a matter of engaged decision making. The next time you need produce, is there a local market you can buy from? When you need to buy a birthday card or gift, can you find a local stationery company or gift store? Every day we make buying decisions. Unfortunately, most of these are pre-programmed by the successful barrage of advertising campaigns delivered by the largest companies. Most consumers don't even consider where they'll go when they need a new mop or some hangers for their closet- they just go to the biggest big box in the region. Smaller local hardware stores carry these supplies, but don't have the ability to purchase radio, tv, print, and online advertising to remind us.
Bob, here's the quick and dirty response to your inquiry: Anytime you encounter the need or desire to make a purchase, you can start by looking for a local supplier first, and when you see that the price tag is 2 to 5% higher than you'd pay at a big box, do what I do. Smile to yourself, and pat yourself on the back. You're making purchasing decisions to help your friends, neighbors, and community. And in the bigger picture- you're making an impact on the global economy.
jasonblais
Bob Sanders said:It sounds good in theory, but how do you do this in real life? Just walk down Main Street, go into local stores (that are still open) and start stuffing the cash register?
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Permalink Reply by Bob Sanders on
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Ahh, so you are talking about an individual stimulus. But is there a way to get all that government stimulus money to reach main street except through individual choices?
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Permalink Reply by Jason C. Blais on
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Great question! Hmmm... Maybe the answer lies with the local economic development offices associated with municipalities? Just a quick hypothetical from the top of my mind: What would be the effect if local economic development offices requested stimulus dollars from the federal government, and used that money to lease large venues and promote large scale consumer expos, similar to the How To Expo, but open to only businesses located within the town, or a radius around that town. Each business attends for free, and has equal access to space. I'd bet that they could run these types of events monthly, if not weekly, and with the money to promote them, keep drawing a large audience of paying consumers. As I'm writing this, it's sounding more and more like a bazaar, but I guess that really isn't bizarre. The way to rebuild the economy from Main Street up, may be to go back to the beginning, and follow the steps that built economies originally...
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Permalink Reply by Bob Goodman on -
Just joined this group and put up a discussion item regarding small business representation at the state level or lack of it. Maybe not directly related to your discussion item, but could be part of the issue. What do you think?
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Permalink Reply by Vincent Chestnut on -
A small group of Hampstead business leaders are trying to figure out how to keep local business local, instead of going to Plaistow, Salem, or Haverhill. It's tough when the local town gov't does not like signage to help identify those local businesses that are in small two and three story buildings. Each business would love a large sign to themselves, but you can imagine the clutter from the street. The small "menue" directories force you to slow your car down to read them, causing a safety problem. We don't have a traditional 'Main Street' concentration of business: a bedroom community that has sprouted some business areas. It's almost as if you already had to know the business was there in the first place to get there.
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Permalink Reply by Christine Malloy on
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Network with local business professionals and feed the local economy which in turn, feeds it nationally through taxes, etc.
www.clubnetcommunities.com. Local networking for serious business professionals!
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Permalink Reply by Dick Dunlap on -
Great Suggestion!
My father said it best….. Earlier in my career I was blessed with the opportunity to launch an IPO with an application that removed people from the acquisition process. Dad expressed his concern and explained that short term “it could work but”, relationships and trust play a much greater role than we were giving credit. Long story short the application was truly successful but the IPO Gods vanished in 2001. I learned a great deal from that experience but the most important thing I came away with was, “people buy from people”. Yes technology has certainly helped with access to competitive pricing and the ability to research different products but the real winner is one that uses technology to identify themselves as opposed to simply the product. How many of us buy from an EBayer with a zero feedback rating?
Today I was excited about a used book (Leading Quietly) that I had ordered online for $3.99 + 3.95 shipping. I happened to be at a client and must have sold the books appeal because when the client arrived back from lunch the local bookstore owner had graciously provided a used copy in excellent shape for $5.00.
I’m not complaining (much). I’m sure it was totally a coincidence. The real embarrassment is that I evangelize buying locally. Lesson learned: people buy from people and there is typically an advantage, especially if you look for one.
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Permalink Reply by Vincent Chestnut on
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I always wondered what would happen if, instead of multi-billion dollar bailouts for banks, the government would send out a check for $6,000 to every taxpayer? The $600 a few years ago really didn't do much, and am wondering if a larger dollar amount would have helped?
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Permalink Reply by Pete O'Brien on -
I like the "buy local" theme more and more. I am finding benefits from changing some of my expenses from Market Basket to local farms and stores I pass by every day. I have found cheaper eggs and ground pork that I have a better idea of how it is prepared for me. And I am seeing the beginnings of friendships with real local people that you never know when they will be helpful down the road! Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there and hope you folks have a great week ahead.
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