Shift Your Shopping - Choose Local and Independent

The Movement

There is a movement growing in our community and across the nation. Building strong local economies is really just a return to something that has worked for people in the past. By supporting local and independent businesses with our dollars, they support us with their community partnership.

Click here to Join SLF

Click here to find out why you should Make the Shift and Buy Local

Click here to learn about our National Partners who are building the new economy

Click here to read about the growing and overwhelming economic research showing the benefits of supporting Locally Owned and Independent businesses

Click here to learn more about Somerville Local First

SLF in 2010 ~ The Local Movement Approaches The Tipping Point

This is the 3^rd installment of a week-long blog retrospective at the year that was for SLF & the Local Movement in 2010, and a glimpse into what 2011 may hold. Please add feel free to comment with your thoughts throughout the week. If you missed the previous posts, here’s Part I and Part II

The Tipping Point Grows Closer

Sometimes, reading the right book at the right time can change your life forever. This has happened twice for me in my life. The first instance is a story for another day (Ishmael by Daniel Quinn if you’re wondering), but it’s the second book that will lead off today’s post.

From the very beginning of the strategic planning behind SLF, the insight of The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell has been ingrained. After reading it, it seemed clear to me what Local needed to do.

Up to now, we've focused on Early Adopters and Innovators...

We needed to create both a deep rooted organization and buzz that reached above the noise of our society, and we needed to do it in a metropolitan area. To accomplish such seemingly impossible goals, we needed to create an interwoven community of Innovators, Early Adopters and influencers. We needed to engage and capture the thought leaders of Greater Boston (Independent Media, leaders in Art/Fashion/Music, engaged and active citizens and so on). And when we did, they would carry our message, and help us fundamentally (and necessarily) shift our culture.

And I think we’re just about there.

Here are some of the local, regional and national highlights that make me think so:

Shift Happens

Shift is Happening Nation-wide

Local First Arizona boasts the largest membership in the country, at over 2,000 local and independent businesses. They are also known for their innovations and advancement of local procurement, research and technology. This year, LFA launched Shift Arizona. A 10% Shift inspired campaign that is now active and engaged across the state of Arizona.

And this further demonstrates, as we’ve adopted strategies from others and they us, that the interconnected world in which we now live will accelerate the local tipping point. While severely under-resourced, we in the local movement are collaborative and connected. This is a core strength that makes this movement different….and far more powerful.

Learn more about Shift Arizona here

Local Food & The Boston Local Food Festival

30,000+ attendees shows how Local Food in on our minds

I’ve long said that the Local Food community is one of, if not the, most important early drivers of Localization. This year, we saw a huge spike in national demand for locally produced foods, which are more environmentally sustainable and support the effort to revitalize our local agricultural economy.

The high point in this community this year, for me, was The Boston Local Food Festival. We know a bit about first year endeavors at SLF, and the results of the festival were so astounding that they are still being felt today.

Over 30,000 people came to the festival and experienced a vast array of vendors and sponsors…and every one of them was locally owned, independent and based in New England.

There is a belief by many that, to achieve significant change, compromise must be made to include organizations that have a much higher relative amount of resources. The Boston Local Food Festival showed that we CAN scale our efforts, while maintaining the important (an in my mind absolutely critical) authenticity of working with and promoting only those organizations who fit our profile: Locally Owned and Independent.

Huzzah for the SBN Local Food Team (left->right): Fan Watkinson, Laury Hammel, Nicola Williams

Shopping locally, joyfully and mindfully

(Michael Kanter is really one of my favorite people, though an outside observer watching one of our conversations, riddled with lovingly acerbic New England wit and mocking, might find that hard to believe. Michael is a leader, a business owner and one of the key people in New England when it comes to authenticity of the movement. I’m glad to have him as a partner in this work, and was inspired by reading his thoughtful message here. I hope you will be as well. ~ Joe, SLF)

by Michael Kanter

We all have heard that this time of year is often critical for the success of many businesses. But why should anyone care? Those businesses made their own decisions to open their doors, why should I worry myself about their success? And what can my purchases do to help those businesses? Besides, I need to watch my own finances carefully especially in this economy. And, what difference is it if they stay in business or not? All of these are actually and seriously important questions.

First I want to make the distinction of what businesses I believe deserve your greatest support. Full disclosure, I am the co-owner, with my wife Elizabeth Stagl, of Cambridge Naturals which we started and have owned for 37 years. That noted, I assume that if you are reading this you are likely at least aware of and perhaps a supporter of the “local movement” and in particular that you are aware of the benefits to your community of spending your dollars at locally owned and independent businesses. So, of course, I am suggesting that this season, like all seasons, you mindfully and intentionally make your gift purchase at such businesses.

Michael has also been instrumental in helping Cambridge Local First and Somerville Local First develop a strong working relationship

As the news of a very challenging economy continues to circulate many of us have gotten very nervous about our savings, our jobs, our homes and our communities. And many of us worry about our friends and loved ones for the same reasons. The daily papers (what’s left of them, anyway), the radio and tv news, internet updates, etc., etc. rarely feature anything positive that is happening in the world or even our communities. Quite the contrary; open up or turn on any of those sources and it seems to be all bad news all the time.

I am not here to argue that there is not enough ugly and destructive “stuff” happening. I am suggesting, however, that the local movement in all its ramifications is one of the very brightest and most optimistic movements to “come down the pike”. Furthermore, I suggest that joyfully supporting (read: shopping at) your locally owned and independent businesses is one of the ways you can directly participate in this positive movement for social change.

Here’s why.

Most of us who have opened such businesses have done so with the intention of offering the community products and services that are unique and we are thrilled to be part of the fabric of our towns and regions. A mere fraction of us have set out to “get rich” (and of those few that did, very few succeed).

Further, few entrepreneurs have thoughts or plans of attempting to build our businesses in ways that would take us out of our communities such as franchising or other growth concepts that would make us less active and direct participants in our place.

In fact, in my long retail experience in this area, I am really impressed with the activism and involvement of locally owned and independent business owners and managers in supporting non-profits and in truly being honorable members of the communities where we work and often live.

As well, the existence of unique locally owned and independent businesses is part of what makes our towns attractive to residents and visitors alike. And, yes let’s remember those studies that show that so many more dollars that are spent at independent community businesses have the power of staying in the area and strengthening our communities.

Most if not all of us have people we want to buy gifts for at this time of year and most if not all of us have limits to our budgets. Just like our local and state and national governments need to be mindful of spending we all wish to be mindful of not going beyond our “comfort levels” or beyond our budgets.

My suggestion is this: It is to all our benefit if we consciously and very intentionally purchase such gifts from businesses that are in our communities because they have chosen to be there for the good of the community…as well as to make a honest living.

Let’s also be very clear about what is at stake. Your community businesses simply can not survive without your support. Though many are thriving, many are facing the same challenges that individuals and local governments are. Some are truly hurting. Your active support is vital for their financial survival and as importantly for the morale of the owners and staff alike.

Shifting your Shopping for the Holidays gives multiple gifts

Your thoughtful holiday purchases have much more power than you may realize. Buy joyfully! By making those purchases, you are giving a real gift to those businesses while helping to build a strong local economy.

Some may call this “win, win”…I call it community, community.

Originally posted on...December 10th, 2010
2 comments

Letter from The Weekly Dig: The Aftermath Black Friday vs. Plaid Friday

The following letter comes from David Day, Arts and Entertainment Editor for The Weekly Dig:

The Weekly Dig Local Holiday Shopping Guide

Dear Reader,

By most accounts, Black Friday was a stunning success. According to the National Retail Federation, 212 million people shopped, up from 195 million last year. The Buy Local movement of “Plaid Friday” was equally successful, with #plaidfriday becoming a top trend on Twitter. And, at a Target in Buffalo, N.Y. a few people were almost trampled to death.

But what does the rush to buy cheap sh*t say about the economy at large?

It could well be that the frenzy caused by incredible discounts are in fact a result of people having less money. We are incredibly broke, so the need to maximize our shopping dollar is more important than ever.

Of course, your friendly Dig staff is encouraging you to maximize your shopping dollar in a different way: by spending it with your neighbor. We have been pounding the “buy local” bush since our inception, in a way, but this year, and every year for the time being, buying local is really, honestly, super important. Are you following through?

If you need help, turn to our annual shopping guide, where the hard-working tandem of Courtney Cox and Taylor Seidler bounced around town getting the scoop from some of our favorite local shops. We have 25 days until the … special … day … or week (or month), so time is of the essence. There’s also a showcase of three stores for those ski bunsters among you.

Here’s a thought: Use our guide to buy something. There’s a lot to choose from, all of it local and relatively inexpensive. Your aunt doesn’t need a new flat-screen to watch Dr. Phil—she needs an airplant.

Tell them the Dig sent you.

Originally posted on...December 8th, 2010
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Plaid Friday Videos are Here!

We’re really excited to have some promotional videos for Plaid Friday this year (There’s also a great one coming for Shop-A-Palooza soon). First and foremost, thanks to Michelle Alford for volunteering her time to create these for the movement.

We would love for our followers to post, like and share these as much as possible over the next week. We know everyone is busy, but there is no time like the present to remind our friends and neighbors about the importance of shopping locally this holiday season.

Go Plaid this Friday - design by Truly Good Design

Michelle is a writer, editor, marketer, and creator. Her weekly (or occassionally monthly) vlogs can be found here:http://youtube.com/user/AmariT

So, with no further ado, the Plaid Friday Video Promos!

Originally posted on...November 23rd, 2010
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This Friday – GO PLAID!

This article originally appeared on Boston.com in The Angle section. That piece can be found here

Today, SLF begins a 6 week campaign, in collaboration with our sister networks from around New England, asking you to SHIFT YOUR SHOPPING this holiday season. This is THE most important holiday season we’ve seen at SLF, and we are not sabre-rattling when we say that it is make or break for some of your favorite local retailers.

If not us, who? If not now, when? We think the time is now and ask you to join us, starting with Plaid Friday this week.

-The SLF Staff & Board

Go Plaid this Friday - design by Truly Good Design

Let’s Make it Plaid Friday This Year

By Laury Hammel and Stacy Mitchell

For many Americans, Black Friday has come to epitomize all that’s gone wrong with this season of gift-giving and the long hours we’ll spend in the coming weeks negotiating traffic jams, crowds, and the endless aisles of big-box stores. That’s why we propose that New Englanders take a new approach to holiday shopping this year. Let’s use this special time to slow down and really savor the places where we live: our public squares and historic buildings, our sense of community, and the rich variety of locally owned stores and restaurants that contribute so much to the flavor and spirit of our region.

There’s no better place to begin than by reclaiming the day after Thanksgiving. Last year, a group in Oakland, California, came up with a great idea: “Plaid Friday.” It’s a simple concept. On Friday, shift away from the malls and “go local” instead. Stroll your neighborhood or downtown, stop by a few independent businesses, meet friends at a local coffee shop — in short, simply enjoy your community. And, while you’re at it, wear something plaid. This mainstay of New England wardrobes is the perfect alternative to Black Friday. With its endless variety of colors and combinations, plaid is a fitting symbol of the diversity of New England’s cities and towns and the local entrepreneurs who give them life.

In case you are worried that Plaid Friday won’t be as good for our economy and ailing job market as Black Friday, never fear. Even if you spend less this season, by shifting more of your shopping to locally owned businesses, you’ll actually create more jobs here in New England than if you shop only at chains and online retailers. Here’s why: Unlike national retailers, locally owned businesses rely on other local businesses for many goods and services, like accounting, printing, and so on. As a result, when you shop at a local business, a much larger share of what you spend is re-spent elsewhere in the community, supporting a variety of local jobs. Several studies have quantified this, finding that spending a dollar at a locally owned business creates about three times as much economic activity and more jobs in the region than spending that same dollar at a chain store. Given that each New Englander will spend an estimated $700 on holiday gifts this year, the potential economic benefits of shifting more of our purchases to locally owned businesses are sizeable.

Over the last few years, thousands of local businesses across New England have joined together to form organizations like Worcester Local First in Worcester, Mass., and Seacoast Local in Portsmouth, NH. These groups, which now number more than a dozen across the region, are working to rebuild their local economies and make New England a
place where independent businesses once again thrive.

Many have come up with creative ways to ensure that going local this holiday season is an easy and appealing choice for shoppers. Here in Greater Boston, for example, under the theme, “Think Local, Thank
Local,” members of Cambridge Local First are donating a percentage of their sales during the week beginning with Plaid Friday to a local nonprofit, Food for Free.

So, even as the media spends the next few weeks anxiously monitoring cash registers at national retailers, it’s worth remembering that a more significant indicator of New England’s economic well-being and
capacity to create jobs will hinge on how well our hometown businesses are faring.

—

Laury Hammel owns The Longfellow Clubs and is the Executive Director of the
Sustainable Business Network and a founder of Cambridge Local First. Stacy
Mitchell is a researcher with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and vice
president of the Portland Independent Business & Community Alliance in
Portland, Maine.

Originally posted on...November 22nd, 2010
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On To The Next One ~ What’s Coming Up @ SLF

by Joe Grafton

When our blog team got together last Saturday, we decided it might be a good idea to have me write a post about what’s coming up at Somerville Local First. As usual, that’s anything but a short answer.

Before I get there, however, I thought I’d share this, the SLF Logic Model.

SLF Logic Model - Thanks to Ariel Harms

So, this looks really complicated, I know. But that’s because our work is complicated. I am posting this simply to show you that, while its always very much about the ‘next thing‘ at SLF, our efforts and programs are bound together strategically.

And so what exactly are we up to next? Well…..

SHIFT YOUR SHOPPING (November/December)

This holiday season is crucial for local businesses. And I think its safe to say that this year is the most critical I’ve seen in my time doing this work. Working with and speaking to business owners on a daily basis, it seems like our local economy has slowed in the past few months. Many businesses have confided in me that they are concerned if they can’t make it work this holiday season, they won’t be able to survive.

So with this in mind, SLF will launch our 2nd annual holiday shopping campaign, Shift Your Shopping.

You'll see a refreshed series of posters/postcards designed by Oat again this year.

Shift Your Shopping will feature:

–A robust online content plan that will offer a TON of info on where you can do your holiday shopping. We’ll incorporate photos, maybe video, shopping lists, event promotions and more.

–The launch of our Mobile Deals application for iPhone and Android users. By accessing our site, you’ll be able to see real-time offers from our members to save you money as you make the Shift.

–A collaboration with other Somerville organizations to create/promote – ShiftYourShopAPalooza on 12/4 & 5.

–The introduction of “Plaid Friday”, a viral, social media campaign designed to help communities understand the importance, and advantages, to remaining far away from the consumerist driven “Black Friday” concept.

–A campaign themed scavenger hunt!

–Some surprises !!

Where The Locals Go Coupon Book (January)

Last year, the City of Somerville was gracious and crucial in helping build SLF capacity by sponsoring our innagural Coupon Book. As with everything we’ve done, the first year of the project helped us learn and year two is primed for improvement.

We learned some things in our first year...

So we are pleased to announce that in January, 2011. Somerville Local First will be collaborating with our sister organization, Cambridge Local First to produce the Where The Local Go coupon book.

Sneak Preview - Here's what the cover of this years book will look like though we're still revising/improving

The book will be for sale this year, and will be a key fundraising tool for SLF & CLF. For only $10, you will get a book filled with approx 100 coupons, valued at approximately $1,000. Best yet, this project helps demonstrate to both of our communities that buying local is important, wherever you are, and that local economies don’t stop at the border of each city.

I’ll close with a phrase common amongst our organizer friends….Next Thing!

Originally posted on...November 10th, 2010
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Photos from The Boston Local Food Festival

by Joe Grafton

It’s pretty safe to say that The Boston Local Food Festival presented by The Sustainable Business Network of Great Boston exceeded everyones expectations. While estimates have yet to be announced, I was there and think the number is at least 10,000 people, and likely many many more.

Here’s a selection of images from the day

A view from behind the stage....the festival was supposed to close down one of the bridges, but the night before the permit was not approved by the city. Instead, a dense network of vendor tents on the lawn made things a little tight but packed with local love.

Festival Sponsor, Katsiroubas Brothers Fruit & Produce

Unsurprisingly, the area in front of the Taza Chocolate booth was packed

Cooking Demos, like this one by friend & SLF Blogger JJ Gonson, were a hit....

...as were butchering demos. Bringing meat eaters closer to their food.

The festival was packed all day long. This was taken the @ 3:00 PM.

Some great roots music took the stage to close things out

The festival organizing team: Emily Kanter (Festival Organizer), Laury Hammel (SBN Executive Director), Erwin (Festival Organizer), Fan Watkinson (Festival Organizer), Nicola Williams (Lead Festival Organizer)

Finally, here’s an interview with festival organizers (with a late appearance form me) from a documentarian traveling across the country on a cross country, called the Sustainable 1000, doing 1,000 interviews in 250 days.

Originally posted on...October 3rd, 2010
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Why Local Works – The Street Attack / Somerville Local First Video Series

by Joe Grafton

Street Attack: Vision Episode 4 Somerville Local First from Mykim Dang on Vimeo.

We’re so excited to present the first episode in a video series about The Local Movement, Somerville Local First and some of its Local Business and Nonprofit Members. We are incredibly grateful for all the time and effort that went into this project. It is a perfect illustration of what keeps our organization going. Here’s the story:

To be blunt: SLF is sorely lacking in resources. We’ve received no grant funding and little funding from government (although the City of Somerville’s Economic Development Department did help fund our coupon book last year, which was pivotal in our growth for which we are very thankful). So telling the story of the movement is always challenging. But the creative community in Somerville and Greater Boston, who appreciate the work we do, has helped us out tremendously.

In almost every case where we’ve produced something to build the movement, designers, writers, web developers, photographers and videographers have graciously donated their talent and resources.

And in this case, things are no different. Street Attack is a Boston-based alternative and digital marketing agency. Mykim Dang, host and producer of the series, also happens to be a former member of Fringe Movement, one of our favorite business incubator spaces. Mykim reached out to us in May with this offer. Street Attack would shoot, edit and publish a series of videos about the Local Movement, SLF and its members. They’d do it for free. And we could use the content in anyway that we wanted.

It is this type of outreach that demonstrates the power of community and the supportive environment it fosters. This is where we’re going in the movement, because it is where we should be. Faced with difficulties and challenges, we are reminded that amazing community members surround us, willing to offer their love and assistance. And they surround you too.

We would like to again thank Street Attack for this work and all their help. We hope you enjoy the series and share them with your friends, and feel more connected to the movement and our members.