Become a Supporter

Embrace what makes McMinnville unique.  Networking, strong sense of community, one-of-a-kind, independent businesses are an integral part of what makes our community a great place to live!

Independent businesses are typically owned by people who live in our community.  Their kids go to our schools.  They attend our local churches and community organizations.  They get to know their neighbors and their customers.

Display Campaign Materials Prominently in Your Business

The more people learn and the more they see and hear the Buy Local message, the greater the impact of this campaign and the more it will influence purchasing choices. Look for Buy Local window stickers at businesses and start using the logo in your own advertising.  Display the Top Ten Reasons to Buy Local in your place of business where customers can read them.  Add them to your business website.

Talk to Your Customers

Take the opportunity to talk to your customers about the importance of local businesses and the challenges they face. Encourage people to visit the Buy Local website (http://www.buylocalmac.com) for more information and encourage them to support other locally-owned businesses.

Utilize other local business owners' knowledge!  Most possess a level of expertise and a passion for the products they sell that is unmatched by employees and managers of national chains.  They take a special pride in their trade whether it's retail or service-oriented.  A fellow business owner may have information you're looking for to help you with your business.

If you don't already, allow customers to special order items if it means getting their business.  Box stores either have it or don't. They don't take the time to help their customers figure it out or want to special order for a customer. Offer this whenever possible.

Educate Your Employees and Those Around You

Talk with your employees about the Buy Local campaign so they will be better equipped to answer customers' questions and communicate the message.  Help train those around you!  If you are a business owner, train your employees.  If you support Buy Local already, train your friends, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, children - every one!  Challenge each person to make a change of one thing for a month.  For example, if you know of someone who uses NetFlix, challenge them to try Movietime Video or The Reel Hollywood Video for one month exclusively to see what they think.  If you know someone who always orders books off the internet, challenge them to use Third Street Books for one month exclusively.  This challenge includes challenges to insurance companies used, landscapers, doctors, etc. - not just retail!

Train your employees to notice the customers in your business and offer assistance immediately.  Don't let your employees allow a customer to stand around and look confused.  Box stores and corporate-owned businesses do plenty of that!  Encourage top-notch customer service at all times whether it's in person or over the phone.

Recruit Other Locally Owned Business

Talk with other business owners about this campaign and encourage them to get involved. We are an all-volunteer effort, so we depend on each other to help reach every locally-owned, independent business in McMinnville.

Source Goods and Services from Locally-Owned Businesses

Examine your list of vendors and look for opportunities to shift your purchasing from non-local to local suppliers.

Spread the Word

Help spread the word by writing letters to the newspaper and other local media about the importance of buying local.  Mention the Buy Local campaign in your newsletter and encourage community and non-profit groups you are involved with to include information about Buy Local in their newsletters and to join the campaign as well. Have a Buy Local area on your website's home page and link other local businesses on your websites.  Encourage your customers to try to use those businesses.

Keep up with technology - use Facebook, text messaging, Google maps, etc. to get the word out!

Read about Buy Local campaigns:  http://buylocalday.org/article.php?list=type&type=6

These are just a sampling of ideas that every business owner can do at no expense to their business.  If you have more ideas, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and share them!