Initiative encourages shoppers to 'buy local'

By Genie Campbell

Carol "Orange" Schroeder didn't hesitate to answer "yes" recently when asked to be a sponsor of a local pancake breakfast. As co-owner of Orange Tree Imports, a culinary and gift shop that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Schroeder is used to helping out neighborhood causes.

All it takes is a single phone call to the shop. The request doesn't have to pass through a maze of corporate offices hundreds of miles away or be filed by a certain date.

Independent, locally based businesses are much more flexible that way.

It's one benefit of "buying locally" expounded by the Dane County Buy Local Initiative, a coalition of independently owned businesses and concerned citizens who actively promote the idea that not all consumer spending is alike. Where a dollar is spent does make a difference, according to the buy-local advocates.

"We share the stories of local businesses and the value they provide by helping to build a strong, local economy and preserving a diverse option for products and services within a community," said Jim Bradley, president of Home Savings Bank.

Local, independent businesses buy supplies and services from other independent, area businesses. That recirculates money within a community, he said. "The environment also benefits because, for one thing, transportation costs are reduced."

"It is very important for all of us to strengthen the community in which we live and that's one of the biggest, most positive impacts of buying locally," said David Boyer, chief executive officer of MCD (Madison Cutting Die), a graphic arts and print-finishing manufacturing company, which employs 72 people. "The purchasing ability of local businesses is an important element of the campaign," added Boyer. "The local dollar is spent many more times, benefiting social services and the tax base. I think it's an important thing to do � to spend money where people live, play and work."

That said, Boyer also emphasized that the "buy local" initiative does not underscore an "anti-big-box or anti-chain mentality. In fact, he believes "outside" businesses play a dominant role by employing local residents and contributing to the local tax base.

There is room for everyone, he acknowledges, as long as local entrepreneurs and shopkeepers, the ones who shape a community's personality and flavor, are not lost in the shuffle.

"There is a wonderful and diverse selection of locally owned businesses � from restaurants to bookstores to coffee shops and even office supply stores. We're just asking citizens to take better advantage of the local choices that are available," Boyer said.

"Local businesses add to a community's urban fabric, its economic well-being and quality of life," said Schroeder, who added: "They are what makes Willy Street different than Monroe Street. They are located where people live and work."

So far, the "buy local" campaign has centered on Madison, although the Dane County Buy Local Initiative, as its name implies, is beginning to reach outlying communities, including Stoughton, Middleton and Mount Horeb.

"It is a countywide effort," Bradley said.

For more information about the organization or to become a member, visit www.danebuylocal.com.

Geniecamp@charter.net

Initiative encourages shoppers to 'buy local'

By Genie Campbell

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