RutlandHerald.com - We Are Vermont

Now is the time to think local first



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By CHRIS MORROW - Published: November 26, 2006

One of the benefits of working in a bookstore is that I get to read books long before they are published. I am currently reading Bill McKibben's new book, (due out in March) "Deep Economy." As usual, Bill has written a compelling book – this time about the benefits of thinking and acting on a local scale. He points to climate change and peak oil as the compelling forces behind this proposed shift. We need to move towards localism to both stave off the worst effects of these circumstances and to cope with them.

But even without the looming changes brought on by our reckless use of energy in the last century, I find there are compelling reasons to support a 21st century localism, for shifting much of our purchasing of goods and services to locally-owned, independent businesses. This is not simply a self-serving agenda – there is substantial data to support this notion. And with the holiday season fast approaching, now is the time to think local first.

As a way of preserving the character and prosperity of Vermont's economy, community networks and natural landscape, a group of citizens – local businessowners, professionals and nonprofit leaders– have formed a new organization called Local First Vermont (localfirstvermont.org). Our mission is to preserve and enhance the economic, human and natural vitality of Vermont communities by promoting the importance of purchasing from locally owned, independent businesses. We envision a robust and sustainable economy fueling vibrant communities, built on a cornerstone value and practice of buying local first.

We are not advocating for the removal of all corporate stores from Vermont. We don't want to shut down the Internet. We are simply advocating for people to look locally first when they are ready to purchase goods or services. It is in every Vermonter's best interest to do so. Why? Here are five of reasons:

  • Keeping dollars in the local economy. Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. This multiplier effect, which has been proven by at least three comprehensive studies, has a powerful impact on the health of local businesses and the tax base.

  • Local character and prosperity. In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage. As a tourist state, this is especially important for Vermont.

  • Local decision-making. Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.

  • Environmental sustainability. Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, walkable town centers which, in turn, are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss and air and water pollution.

  • Jobs and wages. Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains.

    In Phase 6 of the Vermont Job Gap Study (www.vtlivablewage.org) it was estimated that Vermont residents and businesses exported cash to the tune of $16 billion a year for goods and services – over $26,000 for every Vermonter. If we diverted only a small portion of this amount to local businesses, it would strengthen the roots of the tree of health – fostering greater economic health, community health and environmental health. Feed the roots: Think local first.

    Chris Morrow, owner of Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, chairs the steering committee of Local First Vermont. For more information about the organization and this season's "Think Local First" campaign, go to localfirstvermont.org .








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