August 2016 Proclaimed To Be “Winnebago Buy Local Month” by The City Of Rockford
August 2016 Proclaimed To Be “Winnebago Buy Local Month” by The City Of Rockford
The City of Rockford, Illinois has proclaimed August 2016 to be Winnebago Buy Local Month. “In addition to August being the second biggest yearly shopping season, Buying Local is essential to revitalizing our cities and towns, and its importance does not get addressed nearly enough.” says Lauren Davis, Winnebago Buy Local’s Director. “Winnebago Buy Local is grateful for the acknowledgement of our local government, as they understand how important locally-owned, grass roots types of businesses are to our overall well-being.”
With over 225 businesses as members, Winnebago Buy Local is a 6-year-old not-for-profit group who encourages the community to “Buy Local” to help our communities stay prosperous and sustainable. They dedicate themselves to bringing the community in touch with local, unique-to-Winnebago County-based businesses while helping local businesses succeed through educational opportunities and networking.
Winnebago Buy Local is responsible for the popular yearly events “A Local Holiday Market” every December, “Totally Local Ice Cream Social” every July, and the new “SocialROCK Conference” for 2016. All of these activities are open to the public and benefited various local charities. For its business members, Winnebago Buy Local offers regular meetings for education, networking, and business support throughout the calendar year.
Buying Local is an investment into our community, creating a prosperous area to live, work, and visit. Buying Local also creates a hot spot for tourism while it simultaneously enriches the environment for more entrepreneurs, artists, creativity, and business to survive and thrive—a recipe for success in America’s top communities.
By supporting grass roots businesses such as these, studies have shown that up to two thirds of every dollar spent at these businesses stays in the local economy, versus less when buying from other types of businesses. Buying Local also moves Winnebago County toward self-sustainability and helps reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the packaging and fuel required to ship products from afar while allowing for job creation.
Winnebago Buy Local encourages everyone help us celebrate Winnebago Buy Local Month in August, and to remember to Buy Local all year long!
Author: Jon Weber
Special thank you to over 20 local businesses who represented Winnebago Buy Local at the Rockford City Council Meeting on August 1st, 2016 to receive this special proclamation. Their participation shows dedication and strength as local business owners in Winnebago County.
Lauren Davis – Lauren Davis Creative
Skyler Davis – Culture Shock Clothing and Records
Diane Tope – Great Hang-Ups
Barry Tope – Flipside DJ Service and Spotlight Photobooth
Jacob Bradt – Rockford Buzz
Kate Sullivan and Stu Patterson – Kates Pie Shop and Record Store
Diana Kramer – Tasty Tidbits
Robb and Teresa Sinks – Kegel’s Bicycle Shop on Charles
Jon Weber – Pa-Plinka
Alicia Neubauer – Ground Floor Skateboards
Marion Momaly – Marion Momaly CPA
Sue Michaelsen – Sue Michaelsen Tai Chi and Therapy
Joel Collinsworth – Computer Repair IT Services and Learning
Robert Lockwood – PC Tech 2U
Sarah Thistle – Scavenged Parts Antiques and Oddities
Keith and Amy Watson – Bygone Brand
Melody Layng – Petals and Pickin’s
Kim Knutson – Lallygag Boutique
Lucretia Ristin – The Rockford Roasting Company
Karen Elyea – Minglewood
Kevin Frost – CJZF Law
