The buy local movement in McMinnville is what one would call a grass roots movement. It is made up of local business owners who have formed a loose knit group to raise awareness about the positive effects that buying locally has on our community. We encourage our community members to be aware of the impact of their dollars.

A locally owned independent business returns approximately 80% of each dollar spent back to the community. Local, independent businesses assist the community through a “multiplier effect”: one dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through city taxes, employees’ wages, and purchase of materials and supplies at other independent businesses. In addition, these businesses will turn that dollar back into the community through school funding, social services, and contributions to local non-profit organizations.

Chains contribute roughly 40% and at times as little as 20% of the store’s sales back into the community through employee wages, sales taxes, and property taxes.

These businesses add to the character that is McMinnville, contributing more than just goods and services. They offer personalized attention, add diversity to our shopping options, and bring life to historic buildings. And they pay their employees—and local taxes— and contribute to local charities with the income they receive. Each time you choose to spend your dollars at a local, independent business, you are voting for the continued strength and vitality of our community.

We have been working to get this message out through a variety of means.. The first step we took was to design and develop a logo. The second step quite simply was to get that logo everywhere. We solicited donations to go toward printing costs from other business owners, and we printed window clings for stores and cars, and bought advertising. The third step has been to develop a strong sense of community pride and support for the buy local campaign and logo. To that end we have hosted two very positively received events, addressed civic groups, and spoken over and over again to customers and other community members.

Thanks for your interest in buy local McMinnville.

Here’s to loving and growing the local flavor of McMinnville!