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BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGNS ARE WORKING!

The 5th annual post-holiday survey of independent businesses by the Institute for Local Self Reliance yielded powerful evidence that pro-local attitudes are growing and suggests networks like Think Local First of Washtenaw County are yielding direct benefits for their members.

The survey tallied responses from 1768 businesses, all independent and locally-owned, across 49 states. About half were retailers. Among the notable results: 

    •    A larger share (61%) of respondents reported revenue growth in 2011 compared to 2010. 
    •    Independent retailers enjoyed stronger holiday sales than the retail sector as a whole. While overall holiday sales were up 4.1% in 2011, respondents (all independents) reported an average sales increase of 6.7%. 
    •    More than three-quarters of businesses surveyed said public awareness of the beneﬁts of doing business locally had increased in the last year. 
    •    Independent businesses in communities with an active "buy independent/buy local" campaign run by grassroots groups like Think Local First saw revenues grow 7.2% in 2011, compared to 2.6% for those in areas without an alliance. 
    •    Looking solely at retail respondents, the survey found those in areas with an active alliance reported holiday sales growth of 8.5% in 2011, compared to 5.2% for retailers in areas without such an initiative.

"Throughout the holiday season, we were hearing anecdotally from independent business owners that they were especially busy and many customers were seeking out locally owned stores. The results of this survey suggest that this was indeed a widespread trend," said Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR).

We will report the results specific to our community as soon as we receive them. Meanwhile, to view the full report, click on this link.

THE STORY OF A DOLLAR IS READY!

Think Local First has been working on a three part video titled, The Story of a Dollar. Part one has been released and is ready for you to view. We hope you'll click on this link to watch it (it's only a little over 2 minutes).

Once you've seen it, won't you help us spread the local message by forwarding it to your friends and family? We will be launching parts two and three shortly. These are part of our Buy Local Week campaign and hope they will encourage folks to Buy Local when making their purchasing decisions!

LOOK WHERE YOU WILL FIND US!

Think Local First is now on FaceBook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Take a look at each site to find us under our name. 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!

GOLD Members:

Grafaktri

paul m. hickman

The Lucy Ann Lance Business Insider

SILVER Members:

Ann Arbor Observer

First Martin

G retchen's House Childcare

Select Ride, Inc.

Smith, Haughey, Rice & Rougge

Zingerman's Community of Businesses

BRONZE Members:

Dance Theatre Studio

Goetzcraft Printers

Insight Financial Group

Kerrytown Markets & Shops

Motawi Tileworks

Natural Profit, LLC

University Office Technologies

Weidmayer, Schneider & Raham PC

Z Design Studio

Welcome to our Newest Members!

Menlo Innovations are a custom software design and development firm. They believe the most expensive type of project failure is building software that no one ever uses. A close second? Software that is usable only by "power users." If your software project absolutely needs to succeed, call them at (734) 665-1847 or click here to see their website.

Lynn Raade, Agent – State Farm Insurance make it their business to provide an unparalleled level of friendly, convenient, and efficient service. They offer a team of knowledgeable, smiling and dedicated professionals, who are committed to finding customized solutions, and are enthusiastic about helping you build your best future. To learn more call (734) 662-1964 or click here.

Swisher Commercial Realty is the largest independent brokerage firm in Washtenaw County specializing in the leasing and sale of commercial real estate as well as the sale of vacant/development land and investment properties. We also provide property management, referral, valuation and consulting services. To learn more call (734) 663-0501, or click here!

Iorio's Gelateria offers an authentic Italian gelateria experience, serving Michigan-made artisan gelato and other Italian treats with a local twist! Vegan and gluten-free products available. To see current flavors and hours click here! Or you can call them at (202) 643-5286.

Mindful Living Elder Care provides home non-medical elder assistance. Assistance is client driven with a wide range of services based on client needs and interests. We are an alternative approach from a loving woman that incorporates friendship with care. Interested in learning more? Call (734) 417-2385 or click here!

You'll find more than great window coverings with Creative Windows. Whether you are shopping for a single window treatment, redecorating your entire house or seeking the solution to a complex design challenge, you'll find great people who have the knowledge and expertise to help you put it all together. For more information call (734) 769-5100 or click here!

Nancy Melet Hand-Linked Silver Jewelry is a local jeweler using interlocking silver, copper & brass with semi-precious stones, vintage glass, bone & fresh water pearls. Her jewelry is for sale in her studio by appointment and at special events. Look for her on facebook and at this link! Or call to schedule an appointment at (734) 930-1575.

DealSavant is a self-service, online Digital Coupon platform for Local Business. We help you figure out how people find out about your small brick and mortar business. Advertise either online or offline, and we track how many people came through your door from each advertising channel. To learn more call (734) 681-0880, or click here!

Performance Health Chiropractic is the Ann Arbor Chiropractor for families and active individuals of all ages. Ann Arbor's only Certified Sports Chiropractor(CCSP). Helping you achieve optimum health! For more information call (734) 929-4523 or click here!

Architectural Resource is headed by Michael Klement AIA, and they are a full-service, nationally recognized, award-winning, Ann Arbor architectural firm. Local since 1991. Specializing exclusively in residential design: homes, cottages, additions, remodels, and renovations emphasizing smart, sustainable design. Want to learn more? Click here or call (734) 769-9784.

miette is a local, Ann Arbor-based company offering freshly baked pastries made with local ingredients and fresh, seasonal fruit. Our hand-made pastries are made with only natural, pure ingredients and contain only butter, honey, eggs, flour and minimal sugar. Find out more at (734) 224-2264 or by clicking here.

Since 1981, Al Dente® Pasta Company has become recognized as one of the country's finest, artisanal pastas, famous for its fresh, homemade texture and 3 minute cooking time. On store shelves in all 50 states plus Canada, Al Dente Pasta® is made right in Whitmore Lake and loved by locals everywhere. For more information call (734) 449-8522 or click on this link.

Wendy is an upscale women's clothing boutique located in the historic Nickles Arcade. Wendy features unstructured casual fashions to tailored career wear. Our knowledgable staff is on hand to assist with all your wardrobing needs. To learn more call (734) 327-9001 or click here.

At Ann Arbor Magic Shop they teach magic! Selling magic tricks & supplies for the novice to experienced magician. Also posters, books, and tricks related to the history of magic. Owner, Ken Magee, an award-winning performer, is available for special events for children & adult parties, including in the special needs community. Call (734) 222-9000 for more information, or click here.

Ann Arbor Sports Memorabilia has the largest collection of U of M vintage sports memorabilia dating back to the 1800’s. Including vintage, Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers, Lions & Spartan items. Over 10,000 collectibles in stock. Ed Huber, noted sports artist/painter, Visions of Victors art gallery, also located within the shop. We buy, sell, & trade! Call (734) 222- 9321 for more information, or click here.

M E T A L is a design and fabrication studio that produces sculptural, utilitarian, and mechanical forms from metal. They reclaim and re-purpose metal objects, utilizing traditional and digital processes, to fashion new lives for them, and they fabricate anew. Sound interesting? For more information click here or call (800) 613-6385.

Work Skills Corporation is a nonprofit organization that was originally created to provide individuals with disabilities an employment track. WSC has since expanded to inclusively serve individuals/employers in: staffing, home health care, art, alternative education, production & employment services. If you would like to learn more about this member, call (800) 966-9616 or click here!

At the Glass Shack Studio you can join the fun for a variety of mosaic classes in downtown Ann Arbor! They use beautiful stained glass, Italian Smalti, Dalle de Verre, and other materials. They also have an in-studio stained glass and supply shop for art glass crafts. No experience necessary and all ages are welcomed! To learn more call (734) 904-4663, or click here!

The Saline Farmers Market is now a year-round farmers market offering fresh local produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, crafts, & more. Summer hours: Saturdays 8 - 12, Downtown (May – Oct.), & Tuesdays 3 - 7, (June – Sept.) at Saline Library. Indoor Winter Market on Saturdays 9 - 12, Nov-April at Liberty School. Click here for more information.

At tranquil being healing arts center you can Transform Your Life in their Soothing Sanctuary. This environmentally conscious business offers customized Massage, Bodywork, & state-of-the-art full spectrum Infrared Sauna sessions creating balance to Mind-Body-Spirit. Enjoy tea & a locally hand-made mint dark chocolate with each session. Call (734) 761-8753 to learn more or click this link.

The Huron River Watershed Council’s mission is to inspire attitudes, behaviors, and economies that protect, rehabilitate, and sustain the Huron River. Our water quality control data directs water protection in our watershed to keep our water safe and clean. To learn more about their programs click here, or call (734) 769-5123.

The Ann Arbor 501 Running Club is a running club for the "fit" and the "not-so-fit" where they all like to RUN OUT LOUD. Want to join or learn more? Click on this link, or call (734) 657-0214.

You'll find Hygeia Center for Healing Arts to be effective and empowering. They listen to your concerns and help you experience physical mental and emotional wholeness. They offer naturopathic consultation, integrative psychotherapy, wellness coaching, massage and energetic bodywork in an affirming and educational environment. For more information, click on this link, or call (734) 769-6100.

A2Ethics.org is a nonprofit ethics news-and-ideas website, educational resource and collaborative community events organization. Services: Podcasts, such as the popular Working Ethics and Michigan Ethics Economy series;Generational Leaders; and Big Ethical Question Competition. Sound interesting? Click on this link or call (734) 971-7996 to learn more.

At Center of Light everyone is warmly invited to attend Daily Communion, Sunday services, and seminar weekends at the Centers of Light.An introductory course is designed to introduce all to the fundamental teachings of Christian Mysticism and build a personal foundation of spiritual experiences and healing. Interested in learning more? Click on this link, or call (734) 864-2017.

Arbor Hospice provides comfort, assurance and care to families and patients who have life-limiting illnesses, while educating and nurturing others in this care. We are CHAP accredited and provide care to patients in seven counties. To learn more click on this link, or call (800) 997 9266.

The Ann is a local news magazine published monthly. We strive to give Ann Arbor perspective and an in-depth look at the community. Look for the issues in local places and inside annarbor.com. To learn more visit www.theannweb.com.

At the Ypsilanti Depot Town Farmer's Market you'll find locally grown fruits, vegetables & other goods in Depot Town, Ypsilanti from May through October. Open Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm in the Historic Freighthouse Market Plaza. We accept EBT & credit cards for your convenience. Support your local farmers and eat healthy at the same time! For more information visit their Facebook page at this link.

What is MIX? cool. people. mix. New and gently used wearables, accessories and uncommon artful objects to inspire you in your surroundings. Store hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11am-7pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-9pm Contact them at (734) 961-8704 or www.mixnewandused.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'.

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