Among the various opportunities to support your local economy, the simplest and most effective could prove to be buying local. As consumers in a buyer’s market, we have the choice to make key decisions on where we make our purchases. Initiating a transaction at your selected retailer symbolizes your support of the establishment. The ball is always in your court; you have the power to toss this ball to businesses you support, and as a result, the more local businesses you support, the more you are helping to better your community!

Buying local is easier than you think. If you find a nearby reputable business, make a point to patronize it, and tell your friends and family about why you visit this business, rather than the franchise across the street. 

• Start with where you shop for groceries. Many communities have weekend Farmer’s Markets in a nearby shopping center or park, a few weekends per month where you can buy locally grown produce from neighborhood farmers and ranchers. Visit www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com or www.fillyourplate.org to check where you can find one close to you. 
• Consider visiting a local coffeehouse every morning before work. You will most likely find they roast their own beans, making it an even fresher cup o’ joe than Starbucks, and thus, getting better flavor and value for a lesser price! 
• When thinking about where to eat on your lunch hour, seek out locally owned and operated restaurants close by. Truly this will make for a short adventure while you are away from the office! For a few ideas, visit www.localfirstaz.com.
• Seek out local record stores to find that perfect gift for the music or movie lover. You will usually find they have a better selection of independent films and music artists. Some give you the opportunity to trade in your DVD movies and music CDs with the option of store credit or cash (local clothing consignment stores also have this opportunity).
• Shopping online is fast and convenient, but our local economy cannot benefit from it at all.  Check out the Get Connected section of this website for local vendors that may be able to help you with your next purchase and/or project!

From June 29 - July 5, Local First Arizona invites you to take the pledge and shop local during Independents Week. Get 20% off at participating Local First Arizona businesses!

Stephanie Nishioka is the Marketing Coordinator for Arizona Central Credit Union, where she has worked since March 2008.  She is an Arizona native, and currently resides in Surprise with her fiancé and Shiba Inu.