There are many more opportunities to learn more about alternative currencies. See our Events Page link above to see what topics will be covered and where you can learn more.
Think Local First was given a grant to study alternative currencies by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. We held three community input meetings and conducted and on-line survey to gather data for the project. We have tabulated the results of our surveys and have prepared a presentation that was given to the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority on Wednesday April 14th.THIS LINK will take you to the slide show presentation. And, if you are interested in viewing a presentation regarding the different kinds of local Currencies in place around the world, click on this link to view the presentation.
Finally, thanks to those who came to participate in our community input meetings held on Tuesday, February 23rd at the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library, Thursday, February 25th at the Ypsilanti Senior Center, and Wednesday, March 3rd at Vitosha Guest Haus Inn (click on location for directions). And of course to those that took our on-line survey as well. We enjoyed meeting and hearing from all of you and were impressed with the knowledge the community brought to us! WHAT IS "LOCAL WASHING"?
We know that our "support local independently owned business" message is resonating in the community when large corporation marketers start using the "local" message as their own. Big business is now beginning campaigns that promote local as "near by". This is causing confusion for consumers as our definition is vastly different than their message.
We prepared a presentation that explains what is happening in the market place and what to be aware of. If you would like to learn more, please click here to learn how you can be sure to support locally owned independent businesses. You do have the power to keep our community a vibrant and interesting place to live and work in! Breaking News!
This past January we asked our members to participate in a nationwide survey conducted by The Institute for Local Self-Reliance. They conducted the 2010 Independent Business Survey researching how the buy local movement affected the holiday shopping season. We had 35 local businesses participate and we now have the results to share with you.
Retailers saw an average of a 9.8% increase in sales over 2009. For non-retailers the change was -2.1%.
When asked if the local campaign has had an impact on their business, this is how they answered: • 26% had a significant impact. • 43% had a moderate impact. • 23% had a little positive impact. • And 6% had no impact. When asked if the owner thought that their business being locally owned and independent mattered to their customers this is how they answered: • 26% felt is mattered to most of their customers. • 71% felt it mattered to some of their customers. • 3% felt it matter to a few of their customers. • And 0% felt it mattered to none of their customers. When asked if public awareness of the benefits of supporting locally owned businesses had increased or decreased over the last year. This is how they answered: • 97% thought it had increased. • 3% thought it had stayed the same. • 0% thought it had decreased.
Of the respondents 74% were retailers, 6% restaurant owners, 3% real estate sales and management, 8% professional services, 3% banking and finance, 3% health care, 3% other.
We find this encouraging news in that our message is resonating in the community. Folks understand the value that local independently owned businesses provide to our community and are making a concerted effort to support them. We consistently hear that our work is having a positive impact on their businesses.
Have You Read Our Holiday Shopping Articles?
Our executive director, Ingrid Ault asked our members in the November e-newsletter to share shopping ideas with her. She wrote a series of articles for annarbor.com about shopping during the month of December. One piece was published in the Sunday December 13th print edition and the rest were made available on line. Thank you to those that provided us with material to write about. We wanted to include every business, but we know we missed some. Next year we will ask earlier and more often for feedback as we know it is a busy time for everyone.
Our article about buying locally made products at local independently owned businesses is here. It was published on the inside page of the first section in the Sunday Dec. 13th edition. We also wrote about:
We were also interviewed in an article about the end of the shopping season. We were pleased to hear that many of our members reported a positive experience this year with some reporting an increase of 30% over last year's sales. Click here to read the article.
Look Where You’ll Find Us!
Think Local First is now on FaceBook and LinkedIn. Take a look at each site to find us under our name. Anyone can join FaceBook with just a click. Folks interested in connecting on LinkedIn will need to say hi first, before approval. Both sites are open to everyone. Join now!
Thank You Sustaining Members!
Thank you to our Sustaining Business Members who give more so that we can do more. Without their generous support we could not continue our work in education and advocacy. Click on their name to discover more about them!
Andrews Office Warehouse offers a full line of office, furniture, janitorial, and break room products. Serving Washtenaw County since 1976. To place an order see their website at www.AndrewsAA.com or call (734) 665-3333. Locavorious provides locally grown frozen fruits and vegetables in the winter months, enabling people to benefit the earth and our community by eating locally year-round. Interested in participating in this innovative community share agriculture business? Then call (734) 276-5945 or visit www.locavorious.com. MYTHLOGIC Computers offers custom computers and laptops, service and repair other brand computers and laptops, computer parts and accessories sales, and provide outsource IT support for businesses. Hours are weekdays 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and weekends noon to 6:00 PM. For more information, call (734) 274-2266 or visit www.mythlogiccorp.com. Encore Online Resale is a professional eBay consignment sales for individuals and businesses. They are a Registered eBay Dropoff Location, specializing in business equipment (IT, lab, engineering), musical instruments, computers & electronics, cameras, collectibles, antique & vintage items. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-6pm. For more information call (734)761-6187 or visit their site at www.encoreonlineresale.com. green pawz is Ann Arbor's Holistic Center for your pets needs. They sell natural pet foods and supplements. They strive to sell USA AND LOCALLY made products. Their MAIN focus is your pet's nutrition!!!! To learn more call (734) 222-9622 or visit their site at www.greenpawzannarbor.com. Free At Last! A Joyful Journey! Holistic Health Counseling; Individualized Hypnosis for smoke cessation, weight loss, pain management and more. Therapeutic massage, homeopathy, nutritional support and energy balancing. Medical/dental certified by the International Hypnosis Fed. Change CAN be easy! Call (734) 428-1247 to discuss the options available at this diverse business, or click here for more information. You'll receive unrivaled service, attention, and lessons in one of the most unique, comfortable, and creative environments in Ann Arbor at Go: Sustainable Health, Fitness and Fun. Visit their website for more descriptions. Sample: Eat: Analyze your eating habits and develop a shopping list that is both affordable and beneficial. Curious? Call (734) 730-7765 or visit www.annarborgo.com. Wiltec Technologies, Inc is a full service telecommunications and infrastructure company. Configuration and implementation for voice technology, security/life safety, electrical services, audio/video, structured cabling, networks, professional consulting services, and satellite Internet access products. Interested in learning more? Call (734) 677-1401 or visit their website at www.wiltecinc.com. Real Time Farms is a live, local food guide! Discover where farmers' market and stands are around you and what's at them right now! Contribute to the guide by sharing pictures from your local market, farm, or farm stand thereby helping to market your local farm and market! Check them out on line at www.realtimefarms.com or call them at (734) 274-5309. At John L. Evangelista, Wealth Management for University Faculty and Staff they'll work with the appropriate investment providers to ensure their clients’ allocations are suited to their needs. Individual attention to client needs is what sets them apart from the rest! Call (734) 998-0746 to schedule an appointment or visit there website at www.university-wealth.com for additional information. The ultimate goal of Design Club is to give the consumer access to there best local talent at competitive rates. Design Club supports local qualified Interior Designers, Crafts people, Artisans, workrooms, and other design related professionals. There are promotions and events at Design Club; United By Design. Want to learn more? Call (734) 426-3459 or visit www.unitedbydesign.net. Kleinschmidt Insurance had been protecting the assets of businesses and individuals in Ann Arbor since 1926. They are a full service insurance agency offering commercial, personal home & auto, and life & health. As an independent agent they represent many highly rated insurance carriers. Get a truly competitive quote by calling (734) 662-3100. Or visit their website at www.kleinschmidtinsurance.com. 826michigan is a nonprofit writing and tutoring center for students ages 6 to 18. They serve over 2,000 young people each year with volunteer-led programs, funded by generous donations and the proceeds from their retail front, Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair. Interested in learning more? Call (734) 761-3463 or at www.826michigan.org. Sky Promotions offers unique custom imprinted promotional products, screen printed t-shirts, as well as embroidered clothing at competitive prices with quick turnaround time. They are all about service! Contact them for their current promotions at (734) 477-5791 or visit them at www.skypromo.com. College Nannies builds Stronger Families™ by offering a complete set of nanny placement, and on-call nannies that lead to happy children and successful students. College Tutors customize the learning to each student’s needs and are experts in the subject in which a student needs help. To learn more call (734) 761-8393 or visit www.collegenannies.com. Natural Transitions Inc. rents out booths at the A2 farmer's market, Project Grow and the Jewish Community Center. This summer they offer 2 week seminars for community integration getting around in A2, organic gardening, bakery skills with ServSafe Certification, A2 farmer's market retailing, navigating the bus system in Ann Arbor and Ypsi and field trips to help with self-advocacy for persons with disabilities. Interested? Call (734) 786-4377 to learn more or visit www.naturalsettingsa2.com. Delux Drapery & Shade Co. is a third generation family owned and operated full service provider of window treatments and accessories with in-home designers and certified professional installation. There free and convenient shop-at-home service is just a phone call away at (734) 662-6524. Or visit www.deluxdrapery.com to learn more. Hollow Hill Woodworks specializes in hardwood Furniture and Custom Creations. Independent, local builder of hardwood furniture from sustainable domestic hardwoods,reclaimed or F.S.C approved materials. Custom and Special orders welcome. For more information call (734) 428-0078 or visit www.hollowhillwoodworks.com. A2 Global Shipping is a licensed Freight Forwarder, Motor Carrier and Indirect Air Carrier of both freight and household goods. We transport locally in vehicles using Compressed Natural Gas and recycled Vegetable Oil, nationally using both truck and rail and internationally by air cargo and ocean vessel. For more information please visit www.a2globalshipping.com or call (888) 260-3783. Arborcycle Delivery is a human powered delivery service for, business to business, person to person, or random street-corner to high end condo. For documents, the traditional courier service, but so much more: produce, dry goods, paintings anything that fits in a 30 gallon rubber-maid container, we'll deliver it! Interested in learning more? Call (734) 417-4995 or click here!Bob and John Jourden from Jourden's Automotive have been in the automotive business for over 35 years in the Ann Arbor area. Jourden's certified mechanics service all vehicle makes and models, domestic and foreign, including business fleets and medium-duty trucks. Hours M-F 7:30-5:30 Sat. 8:00-1:00. To schedule and appointment or to learn more visit www.jourdensautomotive.com or call (734) 761-8006.Hollander's is a unique retail store occupying three floors in the historic Kerrytown Shops. Offers 100's of decorative and handmade papers, stationery products, and kitchen and home goods. You can also take book and paper arts workshops as well as cooking classes from local artists and chefs. For more information call (734) 741-7531 or visit www.hollanders.com. The mission of the Humane Society of Huron Valley is to find a home for every adoptable animal in its care and to prevent cruelty to animals. We are celebrating the opening of our new facility this year. Come visit, volunteer and donate today! To learn more call (734) 662-5585 or visit www.hshv.org.InPrint: noun. 1 : Providers of graphic design, branding, and word wrangling in Ann Arbor since 1993. 2 : Developers of snappy solutions for communications conundrums. See also creative, resourceful, dedicated, local. Curious? Call (734) 662-7574 or visit www.inprintonline.com to learn more. Arbor Opera Theater was founded as a non-profit in 1999. They present professional opera productions – fully staged with regional and international artists, orchestra, and affordable tickets – as well as themed concerts year-round. Upcoming: Dido & Aeneas (1/30-31, 2010) and Lucia di Lammermoor (6/17-20, 2010). Interested in learning more? Visit www.arboropera.com or call (734) 332-9063. MOVE Communications is a full service marketing and communications agency with over 25 years of expertise in brand strategy and alignment, video, digital media, and integrated marketing communications. We help our clients find the right idea to move ahead. Further. Faster. Interested? Call (734) 973-0100 or visit www.movecommunications.com.
Why Think Local First?
We all know that a healthy community depends upon strong, successful
businesses and organizations. But not just any kind of business. A
community of businesses and organizations that are owned and managed by our
friends and neighbors, and that are good stewards of our community’s
resources. To find out more, please click on 'Seven Reasons to
Think Local First'.
