HOW “Think Local First” WILL IMPACT BUFFALO

Think Local First maximizes our dollars:
Localization stimulates local economies. Separate studies in Midcoast, Maine, San Francisco, California and Andersonville, Chicago demonstrate:

•    At least three times more money is re-spent in the local economy when it is spent at a local independent firm versus a chain.   
Conventional economic development focuses on growing jobs (wage income) but falls short of reinforcing how we anchor dollars in a community to avoid economic leakage.  Think Local First aims to maximize the impact of Buffalo’s economic and community resources.

Think Local First campaigns produce results: 

An independent study of a Think Local First campaign in Bellingham, Washington found:
•    58% percent of residents polled reported being more deliberate about their local buying choices;
•    92% of businesses said that they would recommend the campaign to other businesses and
•    67% of participating businesses have taken measures to reduce environmental impact and strengthen community.