Sustainable Connections Launches Local Holiday Passport to Support Local Businesses
Sustainable Connections is launching the Think Local First Holiday campaign - including a Holiday Passport and local gift cards - to empower small businesses and encourage shoppers to make local purchases this holiday season.
The free and digital Holiday Passport is an opportunity for inspiration and fun during the holiday season. Shoppers earn points by visiting any of the 40+ participating businesses in Whatcom County. Points can be redeemed for prizes including movie tickets, baked goods, and local gift cards.
Think Local First Gift Cards are accepted at over 200 businesses in Whatcom County, making them a great option for hard-to-shop-for loved ones. They can be purchased and gifted online; the recipient can then redeem the gift at any of the participating businesses.
When dollars are spent at locally owned businesses, they stay in the local economy longer, helping the community thrive. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, approximately $50 recirculates and remains in the local economy. Only around $15 remains in our community when it’s spent at a national chain.
“When interviewing local business owners for our retail blog feature, what struck me most was the recurring mention of community, collaboration, and giving back as integral parts of their approach to business. Purchases at locally-owned businesses can be seen as interactions that strengthen community and build relationships, rather than simply transactions. I encourage everyone to support locally owned businesses this holiday season, and all year round,” says Molly Bressers, Think Local First program manager.
Head to thinklocalfirst.org to sign up for the passport, purchase gift cards, and learn more about the businesses that help our community thrive. Read our blog for a behind-the-scenes look at five local retail businesses and hear from small business owners about the importance of supporting local. By participating in the Think Local First Holiday Campaign this year, we invest in the community we love.
[Image: These are some of the faces behind what it means to “shop local”. Yeager’s Sporting Goods is still family-owned after 104 years (and counting). Photo Credit: FotoMataio]
The Think Local First Program promotes and celebrates locally owned businesses because they create a positive ripple effect — high-quality jobs, uniqueness of place, and reduced environmental impact. Supporting them keeps dollars circulating in our community.
