HOW “THINK LOCAL FIRST” CAN HELP LARGER BUSINESSES

Large Businesses Can Be Local Heroes

When a larger business like Wegmans carries produce from Buffalo-area farms, when it sells food products from area nonprofits like MAP, it sends a message that it cares about Buffalo’s farms, health, economy, and charities.  Buffalo First recognizes businesses that “give back” whether they are large or small.  Local heroes like Wegmans are models for larger businesses to emulate. 

Promoting Buffalo’s Biggest Local Heroes

Buffalo First will highlight larger businesses’ acts of local good will in its print directory, the Buy Buffalo Bash and more in the coming years.  Large-to-small business connections are essential to our economy and it is in the best interest of local business for Buffalo First to promote this. 

Localization Can Help Larger Businesses’ Bottom Line

A New York Times article published 9/3/08 entitled “Shipping Costs Start to Crimp Globalization” emphasizes how large businesses are becoming interested in shorter local supply chains to save money.  Having a strong local economic infrastructure will put Buffalo ahead of the curve and make us a more nationally competitive economy.  

“Local” is Good Marketing for Larger Businesses

Buffalo’s own Charlie the Butcher recently appeared on an ad for Time Warner Cable.  Larger businesses know that appealing to an area’s local sensibilities can be great for their reputation, advertising strategies and the bottom line.  It’s also good for Charlie the Butcher!