The Midland Area Chamber of Commerce urges local companies and residents to "buy local." A "buy local" campaign has been a significant element of the organization's Service Sector Development Program, which is a cooperative venture with the City of Midland.
The Chamber places print and broadcast advertising at critical, high-volume shopping times to inform residents and businesses about the need to "buy local." The campaign is particularly aggressive during the Christmas shopping season, beginning in November.
During the campaign, the Chamber points out that a significant portion of each dollar spent locally funnels its way through the local economy by providing jobs and spendable income for residents and businesses. It is also important because local businesses support non-profit organizations and other community-wide endeavors, while shopping out of the region or online provides no such support.
Studies indicate that up to $68 of every $100 dollar spent locally remains in the local economy. It has also been found that local merchants generate substantially greater economic impact because: 1) local merchants spend a much larger portion of total revenue on local labor to run the enterprise and sell the merchandise; 2) local merchants keep their modest profits in the local economy; and, 3) local merchants provide strong support for local suppliers, creating further local economic impact.
The Chamber urges your support of businesses in Midland and the Great Lakes Bay Region. Don't take your dollars out of the area and remember that shopping online provides no support for our area unless it is with a business located in the region. For more information on buying local, contact the Chamber office at 989/839-9901.