Hello friends and neighbors!! Notice the new logo up above??? It was created as part of the package to get our new site up and running by EFG. Check it out on the home page of the site and let me know your thoughts.....
Just wanted to point out a few cool things in the Buy Local world as of late.
First of all, Self Employed Magazine has interviewed us to be part of an article coming this fall about how a buy local campaign can positively affect small businesses. I love that we have national attention before the site is even finished!!!
Although we weren't mentioned specifically, the Wall Street Journal recently published an article regarding buy local campaigns. You should take note if the big boys are spreading the word!!!
Speaking of spreading the word- you can follow us on twitter now!!
@buylocalreno
@buylocalsparks
Keep up the hard work!!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Thanks RGJ!!
Please take a minute to read Monday's Article in the RGJ regarding this very site and the folks involved with the up and coming website.
I am writing this in response to many of the comments made on the article's web version, there are just too many points to cover them all in their format.
First and foremost, I am glad to see so many people taking the time to discuss a relevant topic. I believe that forward thinking and educated debate are the catalyst for positive change.
As for the comments about Butcher Boy's prices- can't really argue the fact that you can find CHEAPER products elsewhere. As was said many times in the comments, you get what you pay for. It was mentioned that we raised our prices after we filed for bankruptcy, in fact, it was the exact opposite. Our prices on just about every meat item we sell were dropped roughly 10% last July and the same pricing structure holds true today.
In regards to the comments about service and return policies concerning local vendors, I wholeheartedly believe that any longstanding local business will do more than asked to gain and keep your business. The most arguable reason to shop with local business is the heartfelt personal attention to your satisfaction. Now I realize that there are exceptions to every rule in both local and national business, you can't pigeonhole one or the other into a good or bad category.
The reason that many local businesses are participating in Buy Local "campaigns" is simple, in general our sales are suffering. No reason to hide the fact. It seems as though some folks take this as asking for a handout. This could not be further from the truth. We are simply attempting to show consumers that their is a benefit to buying locally (more on that in a minute). The fact that we are locally owned and operated is something that no one can take away or argue. All we ask is that you give us a try and if you don't see a value in your business with us then it is our fault in one form or another. I do not believe that I have any more rights to your money than a national chain, and I believe that if I do not earn your business then I do not deserve it.
The numbers are simple- when you buy from a local business, more of those dollars stay in the community. There are many studies giving different points of view-
The American Independent Business Alliance has a short article that sums it up quickly.
There are quite a few regional and industry based studies on Buy Local Berkeley's site.
And a good opinion from American Public Media.
In fact, Businessweek put it his way-
"Spending at local businesses, rather than at chain stores or online, helps local economies because those firms are more likely to buy from local suppliers and hire local service providers for needs such as accounting. The jobs that those dollars support stay in the community, rather than going to chains that consolidate their suppliers and back-office functions elsewhere. The profits, too, stay with local owners who spend in the community, rather than going to out-of-state owners or shareholders."
I encourage everyone to search out the info and make a decision on their own merit, instead of listening to others' points of view.
It seems like Wal Mart was brought up, yet again, as the posterchild for "anti local" arguments. Anyone who knows me personally knows my personal views on Wal Mart and why I choose not to shop there. North Carolina State University has an article that seems to sum it up nicely and objectionably.
One of the largest factors affecting local business is the support received from city and state entities. It is a known fact that STAR bonds are widely used by Wal Mart, Cabela's and Scheel's to develop their stores. I have not seen any assistance of this magnitude geared towards local business. Quite simply, these are the kinds of programs that make it harder and harder every year for small companies to do business. The Reno News and Review has been covering the STAR bond issue well as of late.
There were also many comments regarding where the products are actually produced or made. It is simply impossible for any business to source every product they sell locally. But, many local businesses make it a point to seek out and trade with other local businesses especially with administrative services.
In a nutshell- all I ask is that you take the time to understand what is best for you, your family and your community. I understand that it may cost more at times and that not everyone can afford it now, we are all in the same boat. Be conscious of the effects that your daily spending and activities have on everyone. And give a local guy a CHANCE to win your business, it is up to him to keep it.
-CJ-
I am writing this in response to many of the comments made on the article's web version, there are just too many points to cover them all in their format.
First and foremost, I am glad to see so many people taking the time to discuss a relevant topic. I believe that forward thinking and educated debate are the catalyst for positive change.
As for the comments about Butcher Boy's prices- can't really argue the fact that you can find CHEAPER products elsewhere. As was said many times in the comments, you get what you pay for. It was mentioned that we raised our prices after we filed for bankruptcy, in fact, it was the exact opposite. Our prices on just about every meat item we sell were dropped roughly 10% last July and the same pricing structure holds true today.
In regards to the comments about service and return policies concerning local vendors, I wholeheartedly believe that any longstanding local business will do more than asked to gain and keep your business. The most arguable reason to shop with local business is the heartfelt personal attention to your satisfaction. Now I realize that there are exceptions to every rule in both local and national business, you can't pigeonhole one or the other into a good or bad category.
The reason that many local businesses are participating in Buy Local "campaigns" is simple, in general our sales are suffering. No reason to hide the fact. It seems as though some folks take this as asking for a handout. This could not be further from the truth. We are simply attempting to show consumers that their is a benefit to buying locally (more on that in a minute). The fact that we are locally owned and operated is something that no one can take away or argue. All we ask is that you give us a try and if you don't see a value in your business with us then it is our fault in one form or another. I do not believe that I have any more rights to your money than a national chain, and I believe that if I do not earn your business then I do not deserve it.
The numbers are simple- when you buy from a local business, more of those dollars stay in the community. There are many studies giving different points of view-
The American Independent Business Alliance has a short article that sums it up quickly.
There are quite a few regional and industry based studies on Buy Local Berkeley's site.
And a good opinion from American Public Media.
In fact, Businessweek put it his way-
"Spending at local businesses, rather than at chain stores or online, helps local economies because those firms are more likely to buy from local suppliers and hire local service providers for needs such as accounting. The jobs that those dollars support stay in the community, rather than going to chains that consolidate their suppliers and back-office functions elsewhere. The profits, too, stay with local owners who spend in the community, rather than going to out-of-state owners or shareholders."
I encourage everyone to search out the info and make a decision on their own merit, instead of listening to others' points of view.
It seems like Wal Mart was brought up, yet again, as the posterchild for "anti local" arguments. Anyone who knows me personally knows my personal views on Wal Mart and why I choose not to shop there. North Carolina State University has an article that seems to sum it up nicely and objectionably.
One of the largest factors affecting local business is the support received from city and state entities. It is a known fact that STAR bonds are widely used by Wal Mart, Cabela's and Scheel's to develop their stores. I have not seen any assistance of this magnitude geared towards local business. Quite simply, these are the kinds of programs that make it harder and harder every year for small companies to do business. The Reno News and Review has been covering the STAR bond issue well as of late.
There were also many comments regarding where the products are actually produced or made. It is simply impossible for any business to source every product they sell locally. But, many local businesses make it a point to seek out and trade with other local businesses especially with administrative services.
In a nutshell- all I ask is that you take the time to understand what is best for you, your family and your community. I understand that it may cost more at times and that not everyone can afford it now, we are all in the same boat. Be conscious of the effects that your daily spending and activities have on everyone. And give a local guy a CHANCE to win your business, it is up to him to keep it.
-CJ-
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