Aug
13
Written by:
Elizabeth Roberts
8/13/2009 12:00 PM
Today I’m thrilled to be launching an exciting new chapter in my Buy Local RI initiative to bolster our small businesses, the backbone of the state’s economy. We’re launching the Buy Local RI website and logo during a reception in the State House from 5 to 7 p.m., complete with food and drink from a wonderful array of local sponsors.
I’ve been inspired by the response to my call for logo designs. More than 80 Rhode Island designers threw themselves into the challenge and submitted innovative proposals, making the selection difficult. Congratulations to our winner, Eva Anderson of Glasswing Design, and a special thanks to Providence-based Left Brain, which handled website development.
Eventually, the website, www.buylocalri.org, will serve as a searchable database of local businesses and products, matching consumers’ needs with a Rhode Island–based option to buy.
Say you need to buy a new pair of shoes but would rather support a local store than a national chain. You could search on “shoes” on the website and bring up a list of locally owned shoe stores and their contact information.
Right now, we’re starting the “registration drive,” encouraging all Rhode Island small businesses to register their information for free on the website. The more businesses that register, the more dynamic the database will be.
My goal is to make the website an automatic destination whenever consumers prepare to make a purchase. When Rhode Islanders pause to think about “buying local” they can have a significant impact on improving the local economy. Fifty percent more of each dollar spent in a local business stays in, and builds, the Rhode Island economy.
So I hope to see you tonight at the Buy Local RI reception—whether you’re a small business owner or just want to support Buy Local RI.
Providence Journal story
ABC 6 story
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