Columbia County, OR – Keep it Local Columbia County is launching the 2nd Annual coordinated county-wide holiday marketing campaign sponsored by Wauna Federal Credit Union called “Catch the Holiday Spirit” on November 17. The campaign will run Nov. 17 through Dec. 27. The goals are to connect the communities of Columbia County and keep local dollars local in order to strengthen our local economy.
The grassroots campaign volunteers have been talking with local folks who say they want to shop right here in our Columbia County communities and support businesses in the place where we live. The campaign will promote just that, shopping locally for the upcoming Holiday Season.
Why a grassroots campaign? Why is it so important to shop locally?
AMIBA (American Independent Business Alliance), reports that in a survey of over 3,000 independent business owners in 2015, published by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, there was a powerful correlation between sustained “buy independent/buy local” campaigns and success of local businesses. Independent businesses in communities with grassroots business alliances consistently promoting the benefits of buying locally reported an average revenue increase of 9.3% compared to 4.9% growth among independents in communities without such alliances. The short and sweet is that grassroots shop local campaigns work.
Last year, 42 businesses participated in the same campaign over five communities. A total of 130 cards were turned in for the first year campaign. The first year campaign tracked $26,000 spent at local businesses. It’s easy to get involved and make a difference.
Here’s how everyone can “Catch the Holiday Spirit” across Columbia County:
Shoppers:
- Word of mouth: It works! Tell your neighbor. Talk up your community.
- Get social: Follow our @KeepitlocalColumbiaCounty FB page. Share and comment. Post on your personal page showing where you shop and why you love local! Tag post with #keepitlocalcc
- Get active: Participate in the Catch the Spirit Campaign by shopping locally across the county Nov. 17 – Dec. 28. Find participating businesses at keepitlocalcc.com/campaigns Fill up your “Spirit” Card, and return it to be entered in the prize drawing (a minimum of 3 prizes worth $50 each will be awarded in each community, and one for the county overall)! Attend the open houses on Nov. 18 participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25. We have our 1st Columbia County Small Business Expo on Nov 25th 2017 from 10-4 at Meriwether Place, 1070 Columbia Blvd, St Helens to Celebrate Small Business Saturday! Stop by to meet many of your local businesses and celebrate #shopsmall with your community.
To learn more and get involved, contact Keep It Local Columbia County:
Natasha Parvey, Director
Phone 503-498-1699 or 850-377-7867 (cell)
Cell 850-377-7867
