Last week, Onondaga County officials declared November “Buy Local Month.”

The monthlong campaign was initiated to encourage residents of Onondaga County to shop locally in the hopes of boosting the local economy and encouraging local sustainability, said Chris Fowler, executive director of SyracuseFirst.

SyracuseFirst, an organization dedicated to promoting the advantages that independent, local businesses bring to the community, and CenterState CEO, a business leadership and economic development organization in central New York, are leading the campaign.

“Each day, I work with leaders across this community to develop the best possible environment for doing business,” Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner said in a Nov. 1 CenterState CEO press release. “This is a great opportunity for every citizen to take the opportunity to showcase what they can do for our local businesses.”

The campaign is an extension of “Shop Syracuse Week,” which was held in past years during the week following Thanksgiving, to encourage local spending during the holidays, Fowler said.

“Even the smallest shift of purchases from national retailers to local businesses could have an enormous impact on the community,” he said

A 10 percent shift in local sales could boost the local economy by nearly $130 million a year, according to the release.

This campaign comes at a time when holiday shopping is at its peak. Americans will spend about $700 each on holiday shopping between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, according to the release.

Studies show shifting some of that holiday shopping revenue to local businesses could generate up to three times as much economic activity in local communities than if that money had been spent exclusively at national chains, according to the release.

“Buy Local Month emphasizes the chance we all have to make a difference in our community through everyday decisions,” Jane Amico, vice president of chamber services for CenterState CEO, said in the release. “Whether it’s as a private consumer or business-to-business, buying local makes a tangible financial statement about your commitment to the growth and economic health of Central New York.”

A “Buy Local Bash” will be held at the Regional Market on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. to promote local businesses, Fowler said. Local businesses and restaurants will offer special discounts and deals at the event. More than 200 businesses are participating, he said.

“We want to show the county what we, as citizens, can do to build our community through introducing them to the businesses with the greatest impact on strengthening our economy,” he said.

Tina Parker, co-owner of Eureka Crafts, a craft and art studio in Armory Square, said she thinks “Buy Local Month” is a great way to attract residents to local businesses, especially in downtown Syracuse.

“There is a great energy in the downtown community and I don’t think everyone realizes what it has to offer,” Parker said. “Hopefully ‘Buy Local Month’ will make this a very busy holiday season for downtown businesses.”

 

Published on November 7, 2012 at 3:50 am

Contact Alexandra: adhitzle@syr.edu | @LexieHitzler