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More than 100 Worcester Local First members and their guests joined us on September 11 at KJ Baaron's Fine Wine & Spirits as we celebrated the publication and free distribution of 30,000 copies of Worcester Local First's 2008 Business Directory.   
The keynote speakers were Bill Cavanagh (left) of C.C. Lowell and co-chair of Worcester Local First, John McKenna (center) of Commerce Bank & Trust, one of our Founding Sponsors and the Major Sponsor of our 2008 Business Directory, and Mayor Konnie Lukes (right), one of our Founding Friends Floral arrangements were provided by Sprout and Herbert Berg Florist, two of our Founding Members. Valet parking was provided by S&K Valet, one of our Founding Members. The sound system was provided by Immedia Sound, one of our Founding Members. The Business Directory contains 68 pages of listings and maps of the nearly 180 of Worcester's locally owned, independent businesses. To obtain copies of the Business Directory, contact Coordinator Steve Jones-D'Agostino at 508-791-0459 or
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. More Business Directory Celebration Party Photos      
  
    
Our Celebration & Networking Parties are much more than a chance to exchange business cards and pleasantries. Instead, they are rare, unique opportunities to meet, talk and even make arrangements to partner or collaborate with peer owners and operators of Worcester's locally owned, independent businesses in ways that increase sales and profits. If you are a Worcester Local First member and would like to host a Celebration or Networking Party, contact Coordinator Steve Jones-D'Agostino at 508-791-0459 or
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Among other things, the 2008 Business Directory includes the following: detailed listings for all 200+ members who joined by June 30; nearly 40 member ads; the Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local; a detailed look at the No. 1 Reason: More money stays in Worcester when you shop local; and ways to get involved in the sustainable Local First movement that's sweeping the nation. The 2008 Business Directory is our first major goal because it enables consumers to know which Worcester businesses are both locally owned and independent. Right now, no such directory or database is publicly available. The primary reason for "thinking local first" is that for every $100 spent at a locally owned, independent business, $68 stays in the local economy, while only $43 of every $100 spent at a non-locally owned, non-independent business stays in the local economy. (Source: Andersonville [Michigan] Department Corp. and Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, 2004, Civiceconomics.com/Andersonville/.) These figures do not factor in the profits made by locally owned, independent businesses. Such profits also stay in the community rather than leak out through non-locally owned, non-independent businesses. Here are links to two other websites that contain additional information about the positive, constructive and sustainable impacts of thinking and buying local on local economies and environments: To hear a web podcast of a 30-minute interview on September 2 with Bill Cavanagh, co-chair of Worcester Local First, The Business Beat on WICN/90.5 FM, one of our Founding Members, click here.
Top 10 Reasons to Shop Local 1. Significantly more money re-circulates in Worcester when purchases are made at locally owned, rather than nationally owned, businesses. More money is kept in the community because locally owned, independent businesses purchase from other local businesses and service providers. On average, $68 of every $100 spent at locally owned, independent businesses stays in the local community versus only $43 of every $100 spent at chain and franchise businesses. (1) These dollars also stay in the community instead of leaking out through non-local, non-independent businesses. 2. Most new jobs in Worcester are provided by locally owned, independent businesses. Small, local businesses are collectively the largest employer nationally. 3. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of Worcester's distinctive character. The unique character of Worcester is what has kept or brought us here, and will keep us here. 4. Local business owners invest in our community. Local businesses are owned by people who live in locally and, therefore, are more invested in the community's future. 5. Customer service is better. Local businesses are closer to the customer and hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. 6. Competition and diversity lead to more choices. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products and services based on the needs of their local customers and not on a national sales plan, guarantees a much broader range of product and service choices. 7. Reduced environmental impact. Shopping at locally owned, independent businesses is more energy efficient. These businesses make more local purchases, thus reducing their transportation costs. 8. Public benefits far outweigh public costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. 9. Encourages investment in Worcester. A growing body of economic research shows that innovative entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. 10. Non-profits receive greater support. Non-profit organizations receive an average 350 percent greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses. (1) These figures are based on the results of an October 2004 study commissioned by the Andersonville (Michigan) Department Corp. and the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, www.civiceconomics.com/Andersonville/ Thanks to the Local First campaign of BALLE West Michigan for the use of these figures. For more information, contact Worcester Local First Coordinator Steve Jones-D'Agostino at 508-791-0459 or
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