FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2021

MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Vergillo, Communications Director
Sustainable Connections
Amy@sustainableconnections.org
https://sustainableconnections.org/thinklocalfirst/

Think Local First for the Holidays: Give the Gift of Local This Holiday Season

Join Sustainable Connections as they Think Local First this holiday season, connecting the community with all the incredible small businesses and services that Whatcom County has to offer. Sustainable Connections is encouraging people to use Think Local First gift cards to shop local this holiday season.

This year has made it clear that supporting local businesses is essential to the health of our economy and community. And since Bellingham and Whatcom County are bursting with talented makers, chefs, artists, and more, there’s something for everyone.

“When you shop local, you’re not just giving one gift,” Amy Vergillo, Sustainable Connections’ Communication Director, explains. “You’re giving back to the family who’s behind the small business. You’re giving to the community that supports these local entrepreneurs.”

These reciprocal relationships are important to the economic well-being of Whatcom County. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business or restaurant, at least $68 recirculates and remains in the local economy compared to $43 when it's spent at a national chain.

Sustainable Connections will be helping community members support local businesses on their website at thinklocalfirst.org with:

Whatcom Think Local First gift cards: Purchase online and email, text, or print out gift cards that are redeemable at more than 270 local business in Whatcom County.
Local Gift Guide: Search by price, category, or location for unique gifts all around Whatcom County.
Essential Worker gift cards: Sasquatch will be giving away Think Local First gift cards to essential workers during the holiday season as a small token of appreciation for the important work they do. Donations can be made to their essential worker gift card fund with a credit card, check, or any remaining balance on a Think Local First gift card.
Community Events: Holiday events all around Whatcom County for the whole family can be found in a central location on their website.

Get Your Go! Guide

Engage in a Local Quest

Browse our Dreaming Guide

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.