If you passed on navigating the big-box feeding frenzy over the weekend, there's still plenty of time for holiday shopping. If you're looking to skip those cookie cutter retailers altogether this season, there are plenty of other businesses around Madison looking for your dollars.
"When you buy from people you know, you are contributing to the community," says Rick Brooks, a co-founder of Dane County Buy Local, an organization dedicated to promoting locally owned business in the Madison area. Launched only three years ago, the group has grown explosively. Starting with dozens of founding members (including Isthmus), they counted 130 participating businesses in 2006 and more than 200 this year. Together, they constitute an impressive pool of places to spend one's money locally.
Dane County Buy Local offers five reasons for doing so:
"The idea is to invest in our community, so the money circulates five or six times more than it would if you bought something at a chain store," explains Brooks.
- Keep Madison original. We ensure that unique, one-of-a-kind businesses survive.
- Enrich the community economy. Each time money is spent at a locally owned business, the tax stays in Dane County to support local resources such as schools, parks, police and fire...and much more.
- Provide more jobs. Altogether, locally owned independent businesses are our largest employer.
- Ensure a solid foundation for local nonprofit organizations who serve us. Locally owned businesses give more.
- Create good places to work: We want work life to reflect home town friendliness and familiarity. Treating our employees well is part of our community commitment.
Dane County Buy Local held its annual holiday shopping kick-off at the The gathering also served as the formal relaunching of Dane County Buy Local's new website, which includes a detailed directory of all members that includes their history, products and services, and contact information. "We want people to hear the voices and see the people behind these local businesses," notes Brooks. The group's online home also has a new media center, which features interviews with members and updates on its work, including a video report from the holiday kickoff. As part of the kickoff, Mayor Cieslewicz announced the new local preference purchasing program adopted by the city last spring after two years of development. "Buy Local policies are a great way to support local businesses and the local economy," said the mayor in a press release announcing the program. "Individuals can do their part, but government needs to do its part as well. The city's buy local website is an easy way for local businesses to sign up and make the city aware of what they have to offer." Brooks notes that the county is working on a policy for a local focus in its purchasing decisions too. Dane County Buy Local was a partner in developing this program, and itself is a project of the Wisconsin Partnership for Sustainability, a nonprofit group that looks to build quality of life, Brooks explains, "through collaborations in promoting sustainability, energy conservation, fair trade, environmental health, and generally improving community life." As part of its holiday campaign, Dane County Buy Local has launched a gift card program. Issued by the Home Savings Bank and available in any denomination between $25 and $250, these cards can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, but are honored particularly by the group's membership businesses. And of course, says Buy Local, they make great holiday gifts. If you have a video about Madison or by Madisonians, please consider adding it to the Isthmus YouTube group or send a message.
