Yesterday we held a press conference to reveal the findings of the ground-breaking Civic Economics Study that was just completed in Salt Lake City. We are excited about the great turn-out and the subsequent conversations that are happening all over the valley as a result of this news.
Thank you to those who have shown support in our efforts to gather and spread this information.
We are glad to have the press' interest piqued. Among other mentions, Dawn House wrote an article for the Salt Lake Tribune, Keith McCord presented an in-depth segment on KSL TV, and Jennifer Napier-Pierce of KCPW did an interview with Nan Seymour, our Executive Director and Betsy Burton, co-founder of our board. Dan Houston of Civic Economics called in. In short, this information is spreading and people are becoming more educated and aware of the good that can be done by purchasing from locally owned businesses.
22 locally owned businesses, 15 retail and seven restaurants, completed the survey. We appreciate their support and willingness to participate.
We encourage you to take a look at the study results. Civic Economics, an independent economic analysis consultant, conducted the study. Their findings demonstrate what we have always intuited: money spent at locally owned businesses stays in, and boosts, our local economy.
We recognize that it is important for each person and household to look out for their own bottom line. We submit to you, that if you shift 10 percent of your spending from national chain stores to locally owned stores, you will make a difference in your community.
Study results show that a shift in 10 percent of spending to local business would retain $487 million for our local economy.
Please think about it. Talk with your family, your neighbors and your co-workers. What would happen in your community if you made the 10 percent shift?
The study results are a key factor in our Reason #1 to buy local first: You kept your money in your economy. See the other nine reasons here.
Links to our media coverage:
KSL TV
Salt Lake Tribune
KCPW's CityViews
Download the survey results here: Survey Results (PDF)
