Date : Sat, Nov 24 – Sat, Dec 1, 2007

Web site : http://www.toledochooselocal.com

Toledo Choose Local

"Toledo Choose Local" is Toledo's recently-formed chapter of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE).

Buy Local Pledge

From the Toledo Choose Local Web site :

• I pledge to think local first when seeking out a business to meet my need.
• I pledge to recommend local alternatives to others when shopping for goods and services, dining out, meeting friends, etc.
• I pledge to support my local non-profit organizations.
• I pledge to purchase local produce and other foods from local vendors whenever possible.
• I pledge that I will do my best to keep more of my hard earned dollars circulating in my community by making more purchases at local, independently-owned businesses in the Toledo area.

Local Shopping Guide?

Some weeks ago, I found this page on Arbor Wiki titled Buy Local Ypsilanti :

I'm not sure if Toledo Choose Local plans to produce a Holiday Shopping Guide that lists the local, independent stores in metro Toledo. Might be a little late for such a guide for this season, since Toledo Choose Local only officially formed a few months ago. As business membership increases, maybe hard copy and online guides will be available but not just for the holidays and not just for retail-related businesses.

Buy Local Week

The info listed on the Toledo Choose Local Web site :

Unfortunately, the site also lists this barf :

Symbolic horsecrap from government. Can't something be done without political officials planting their mugs and inane thoughts in front of the public? Quiet backing from government is fine, but this buy local idea better be something that's nearly 100% driven by the local business owners, concerned citizens, and the non-profit orgs.

Why is official government support needed via a useless, feel-good resolution? Too much face time from political blowhards is a turnoff. Hell, government gets involved or tries to get involved with development projects that bring in national chains. I think this buy local concept loses credibility when political knuckleheads start spouting off why they think this is a good idea, as if they have all the knowledge and therefore are more enlightened than us shlubs who, by the way, are able to figure out things on our own with the help of an org like "Toledo Choose Local."

We don't need politicians telling us what to do, and if local business owners are relying on politicians to get the message across to the public, then shame on the local business owners. Local business owners shouldn't wait for politicians. Local business owners can provide info within their businesses as to why buying from a local, independent store is important to the local economy and local charm.

(I feel better after those three paragraphs.)

Scavenger Hunt

Here's an interesting idea that can at least get people to visit a local store they have never visited before or maybe never heard of.

The Toledo Choose Local Web site contains more info about the Buy Local Week Scavenger Hunt. I see my favorite local business Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op is participating. So now here's an entertaining excuse to at least visit the co-op if you've never been there.

Participating Businesses

• Curb’s Candle Co.
• Glendale Flowers & Gifts
• Honey I’m Home
• Vespa of Toledo
• Downtown Latte
• DIVA Restaurant
• Manhattan’s Restaurant
• Murphy’s Place
• Petit Fours
• Phoenix Earth Food Co-Op
• Flying Rhino Coffee & Chocolates
• Glass City Cafe
• Metroparks Toledo Farmhouse Gift Shop
• Organic Bliss Deli and Bakery - (Toledo City Paper article and Toledo Blade review)
• Pam's Corner
• Scarpe

Interactive Google map that hopefully lists the correct locations of the participating businesses. Link to larger version of map.

Will have to encourage Steve the owner of My Daily Grind to participate in future endeavors. We all should mention Toledo Choose Local to the owners of our favorite local, independent businesses. And if they choose not to be a member, well, at least you let them know about the initiative.

I think local, independent businesses organized as one big network or organism can achieve more than if they remain separate. Even if two or more local businesses are competing against each other, they may all benefit if they work together in some areas. Maybe purchasing supplies is cheaper if multiple similar local businesses combine their orders. I don't know. Or maybe a local biz in Monroe, Michigan has something that a local biz in Bowling Green, Ohio needs. That might be beyond the scope of Toledo Choose Local, but hopefully, this idea includes more than just the immediate Toledo area.

Why Local?

Below are the highlights with the details on the Toledo Choose Local Web site. I would say replace the word "Toledo" with "the region" or "Lake Erie West" since Toledo Choose Local can include local businesses in surrounding communities. Buy local does not mean only buy in Toledo.

Why Local?

• Significantly more money re-circulates in Toledo when purchases are made at locally owned, rather than nationally owned, businesses.
• Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of our distinctive character.
• Non-profits receive greater support.
• Reduced environmental impact.
• Most new jobs are provided by local businesses.
• Customer service is better.
• Local business owners invest in community.
• Public benefits far outweigh public costs.
• Competition and diversity leads to more choices.
• Encourages investment in Toledo.