Local First Retail Kits

Sierra Business Council envisions a regional economy that is diverse, inventive and sustainable. We rebuild and reinvigorate community commerce to promote economic, social and environmental well-being. We invest in economic development based on meaningful work, green jobs, and wise use of the natural resources and services of the Sierra Nevada.

The Think Local First Retail Kit enables you to brand your business Local and Independent, bringing widespread visibility to the significant contributions that you provide to the local community, economy and environment.

Buy a Local First Retail Kit

Invest in a Local First Program Membership

What qualifies as a local business?

• Privately held
• Over 50% ownership lives in Sierra Nevada
• No corporate headquarters outside of Sierra Nevada exists
• Ability to make independent decisions regarding name, look, purchasing, and distribution
• Receives no assistance from corporate headquarters with marketing, rent, defining advertising, etc.

Retail Kit Contents

•  Information about Retailer Campaign goals – the power of this campaign will be in widespread participation. We want the general public to see the program messages everywhere and to Think Local First whether they are choosing a restaurant, holiday gifts, a home re-model contractor, or where to bank!
• Why Buy Local – Key points that you, as a local business owner, can include in your own newsletters, letters to your local newspaper, employee education, displays, etc.
• “Why Buy Local” Thank You Cards – a high quality template is included for re-prints. The basic message is, “Thank you for choosing local – look for this logo first for your shopping choices!” The cards will also have additional “Why Local” factoids. These cards can be stapled to receipts, used as inserts with purchases, as gift cards, and more.
• Top Ten Reasons to Support Local Businesses – this is a poster illustrating the personal benefits of choosing locally owned businesses.
•  Logo to include in your own advertising
• Window Decal with logo indicating, “Shop here!”
• Tip Sheet: Other great ideas for in-store outreach and participation

Benefits of the Local First Program

Think Local First Retail Kit…$45+

• 2 Think Local First Window Decals – to be displayed by members to create a brand for locally-owned, independent businesses throughout the Sierra Nevada
• Access to information that will help brand your business as local, independent, and unique in the Sierra Nevada
• FREE marketing collateral including 50 “Thank you for shopping local” cards and the template
• The ability to order updated marketing material through a quarterly series of bulk productions at local graphics companies in your area
• Use the Think Local First name and logo for your business cards, shelf tags, advertisements, websites, and fleet vehicles
• 10 reasons to “Think Local” Educational Poster
• Staff FAQs and Talking Points

Think Local First Program member…$100+

All of the Retail Kit Benefits plus...

• Receive updates and tips via SBC’s quarterly Think Local First Newsletter
• Access to the Sierra Nevada Local First Network through electronic news and events
• FREE listing in local, independent business promotional publications
• FREE listing in our member Directory on the program website
• Featured profile on the Think Local First webpage, and in the Sierra Business Council monthly e-Newsletter (4500+ recipients), and through campaigns, events, and promotions

Sierra Business Council Membership…$200+

All of the Retail Kit and Member Benefits plus…

• The opportunity to be part of a broader movement of sustainability that encompasses supporting economic prosperity, environmental quality and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada
• Access to Sierra Business Council’s entire member network reaching nearly 750 Community Leaders, Business Owners, and Decision Makers
• Discounts on publications, event series and conference, and fundraising dinners
• 1-year subscription to Sierra Heritage Magazine
• Receive our monthly e-Newsletter with cutting edge information on the Sierra Nevada environment business and community

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of this program?
Our primary objective is to encourage Sierra Nevada residents and visitors to Think Local when they are considering where to make purchases, to Buy Local whenever possible, and Be Local by supporting businesses and enterprises that make the Sierra Nevada unique.

Who is being targeted?
The target market is comprised of shoppers who want to keep communities livable to continue to buy the variety of products and services by Sierra Nevada independent locally owned businesses.

What is the benefit to our audience?
Research has shown that the most compelling and motivating reason for shopping locally has generally focused on retaining the unique and special character of our Sierra towns. Research also shows non-profits receive greater support from local businesses, significantly more money will re-circulate within the Sierra Nevada, and locally owned businesses have deeper community roots. When enterprises are locally rooted, human-scale, and owned by local community members, there is a natural incentive for all concerned to take human and community needs and interests into account.

Why does the program go beyond retail?
In addition to a focus in retail, Think Local First focuses in the areas of arts and music, waste management, energy, food, investing, philanthropy, and forestry. We see these focus areas deeply interconnected in creating resilient, diverse local economies based on goals of economic prosperity, environmental quality, and community vitality.

How do we define “cooperative marketing” or “peer-to-peer network?”
Let’s get this straight: Think Local First is pro-business not anti-chain. We’re for small business because you do not have the opportunities often sought through franchise ownership or corporate-owned chains. This cooperative gives you an advantage to brand your business in a way that only local and independent businesses can. And it asks you to turn to your community – to the people and place that support you most.

What is happening for the remainder of 2008?
Right now we’re working to produce events throughout the region during National Buy Local Week, Dec. 1-7 in order to kick off the holiday shopping season. Participate in this week by displaying your window decal and poster. Add the logo to all of your ads and fliers. Retailers are encouraged to enroll before November 8th and receive the Retailers Kit, which includes a Think Local First window decal and 50 Thank You cards so shoppers both recognize and value you as a locally owned, independent business.

Media Outreach
Sierra Business Council will ensure general publicity through press releases, our local media network, member profiles, and email marketing exposure to our network of over 6,000 supporters California and Nevada wide.

Partnership
Sierra Business Council values your local business associations who work to bring business opportunities to you. We work directly with business owners and with local business associations in order to bring broad sustainability efforts to towns like yours all around the Sierra Nevada. We encourage you to inquire with your local business association about their member benefits.