added 07/26/10

What does ‘local first’ really mean and why is it important for you and your community? In simple terms, thinking local first means giving first consideration to spending your dollars with locally owned stores, restaurants, and service providers. Thinking locally first has also been a guiding principle for the Hanover Co-op since its origins nearly 75 years ago. Read on to learn more.

The Co-op: Thinking Locally First Since 1936

by Allan Reetz
Communications Director

In towns and cities across America, a growing movement encourages consumers to shop more frequently at locally owned businesses. In many communities this effort is referred to as “Think Local First.” Local First campaigns are not designed to persuade people to consume more; rather, each is a grassroots endeavor to shift more of one’s planned spending to locally owned businesses.

Businesses with owners who live locally are proven anchors of economic stability for communities of all sizes. The facts are becoming clear: you get more bang for your buck when it is spent with a locally owned business.

Thinking Locally

Thinking locally first has been a guiding principle for the Hanover Co-op since its origins nearly 75 years ago. At the January 6, 1936, organizational meeting of the Hanover Consumers Club, our founders made it clear that this new organization would seek to purchase goods from other local businesses as much as feasible.

With that historical fact in mind, it is fair to say that we have been ahead of the curve on this now growing crusade to think local first. Yet being ahead of a curve, and having a long history of community collaboration, does not lessen our responsibility to stay focused on our commitments.

Local First Alliance: Promoting a Vibrant Local Economy

In June of 2009, our Co-op became a founding member of Local First Alliance —a group that promotes the economic and community benefits of local business ownership in its many forms. What started out the year before as a committee of a dozen or so local business leaders has since grown into an alliance of 130 businesses and supportive citizen members working to build a thriving local business economy and vibrant community organizations, while remaining committed to environmental stewardship.

According to the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE—an organization comprising over 80 Local First networks in 30 U.S. states and Canadian provinces), more than 22,000 locally owned, independent businesses are working to promote sustainable communities powered by locally owned businesses. Members of these networks usually display a Local First logo on their business door, truck, or advertising to help locally focused consumers find them.

Vital Communities

Starting up an organization with goals like these can be overwhelming at times, even for the most committed group of local business leaders. Fortunately, our young organization had the benefit of incubation support from Vital Communities. Vital Communities is a regional nonprofit organization based in White River Junction, Vermont, that works to engage citizens in community life and to foster the long-term balance of cultural, economic, environmental, and social well-being in our region. Among the many advantages of our association has been extensive, high level administrative and development support provided by Vital Communities. This alliance has made creation of our Local First organization a reality.

What Does ‘Local First’ Mean?

In simple terms, thinking local first means giving first consideration to spending your dollars with locally owned stores, restaurants, and service providers. In community terms, it means leveraging the dollars you spend so they deliver value for you and positive results to your hometown. By shopping at, or obtaining service from, a locally owned business, you are making your local economy stronger. More of the business’ profits stay at work locally. Local charities receive their steadiest stream of donations from locally based businesses. Local non-profit organizations gain valuable leadership assistance as local business owners frequently volunteer on their boards. And when an owner lives in the town their business serves, they have a natural tendency to protect the local environment.

Local Value

So, as you shop near home or travel around the country, I encourage you to get—and give—more value for your dollar by purchasing from locally owned stores and savoring locally produced foods. Just look for signs that indicate local ownership. You will be part of a growing alliance of consumers who understand that there is a lot more value in a buck than just 100 cents.

Learn more about Local First Alliance and Vital Communities and their respective members online at www.VitalCommunities.org.