The grass-roots effort asks readers to
pledge to spend $100 each this holiday season at local and independent
merchants, service providers and restaurants. This nominal outlay
directed specifically to non-chain outlets has the potential to deliver
a resounding benefit to local communities: 58 percent more money stays
in the local economy than if that $100 was spent only with big-box
retailers.
“More people are recognizing they can
spend less money, but still do more for their local economy, by
choosing local independent businesses for their holiday shopping,” said
Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance.
“By doing business locally, we tend to reduce our impact on the
environment while nurturing community character and cohesiveness.”
To participate, simply go to www.syracusenewtimes.com
and click on the Shop Local button on the left-hand navigation bar. You
will be asked to enter your e-mail address. Once you click “submit” you
will receive a registration form in your e-mail. Fill out and submit
it, and you will automatically be entered to win one of three prize
packs, courtesy of The New Times. For a list of the prizes, see our Web site.
Of course, we won’t hold you to
this—it’s merely a pledge, after all—but Santa is making his list and
checking it twice, and you surely want to be on his good side!
