Milford is Local Proud.Local Proud is a buy-local campaign designed to support locally owned and independent businesses in Milford. Spearheaded by Susan Ashelford who owns Given to Gauche and is a commissioner on the Economic Development Commission, the program’s goal is to shift 10% of the purchases made at non-independent stores to locally owned and operated businesses.
The shift in dollars will have a hugely positive effect for all of Milford. According to studies, including a 2008 study by the Institute for Local Self Reliance, locally owned businesses recycle about 45% of their revenue back into the local economy.
Commissioner Ashelford adds that “results from other communities demonstrate that not only do dollars spent locally stay local, but local businesses contribute more to local non-profits and participate more in community life; and local independents demand less energy resources and public infrastructure.”
Milford’s Local Proud highlights the connection between shopping locally owned, independent businesses and retaining the community’s distinct character. Local Proud asks consumers to: choose personality over conformity; keep more money in the local economy; sustain and create more local jobs; and support environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
The desire to support locally owned businesses is an emerging factor in people’s shopping choices, with more and more people seeking out locally owned shops and goods. Local farms and farmers’ markets are more popular than ever as people have discovered the health and ecological benefits of eating locally produced food. Also, travelers seek out destinations that offer them a sense of being someplace…not just anyplace.
“This program perfectly reflects the Economic Development Commission’s goal of strengthening businesses, fostering stronger communities, increasing job opportunities, and expanding
Milford ’s economic base while honoring our commitment to the history and character of Milford" says Genevieve Salvatore, the Economic Development Commission’s Chairwoman.
Local Proud will kick off the week of September 27th with a 13-week launch: “We’re So Much More….We’re Your Community.”
There are 100s of reasons to be Local Proud but the 100s of independent business owners and their employees is the single best reason for all of us to be Local Proud—our business is our community.
Local Proud was developed under the auspicious of Milford ’s Economic Development Commission. The committee members are, Susan Ashelford; Dayan Moore owner and co-founder of Green Goods 2 Go; Anna Rubino who is the graphic designer for Local Proud; and Susan Shaw, owner of Collected Stories Bookstores.
For more information on the program, contact Susan Shaw at 203-874-0115; visit our website, http://www.milfordlocalproud.com/ or email, localproud@milfordlocalproud.com
Local Proud will kick off the week of September 27th with a 13-week launch: “We’re So Much More….We’re Your Community.”
There are 100s of reasons to be Local Proud but the 100s of independent business owners and their employees is the single best reason for all of us to be Local Proud—our business is our community.
Local Proud was developed under the auspicious of Milford ’s Economic Development Commission. The committee members are, Susan Ashelford; Dayan Moore owner and co-founder of Green Goods 2 Go; Anna Rubino who is the graphic designer for Local Proud; and Susan Shaw, owner of Collected Stories Bookstores.
For more information on the program, contact Susan Shaw at 203-874-0115; visit our website, http://www.milfordlocalproud.com/ or email, localproud@milfordlocalproud.com
