Local Business Week Kicks Off in Salt Lake

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The premise of "Local First" is simple, according to local bookseller Betsy Burton. Local shop owners spend their money on local services and products, thus keeping Utah dollars in the Utah economy. The challenge, says Burton, is to convince pennywise shoppers to think twice before heading straight for the chain store at the strip mall.

"If you understand that only frequenting chains, local businesses can't survive, then maybe you'll think before you make that decision," says Burton. "In the long run you're saving money, saving your job, saving your community by at least some of the time making a different decision."

Betsy Burton is chair of the Local First Utah Board, which has recruited 600 business members since its inception last summer. She says customers are starting to mention the "Buy Local" stickers and posters they see in shop windows. And Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon - a small business owner himself - says local governments are coming to realize the need to nurture a homegrown economy.

"Often times we as government officials spend time luring new businesses into our community and forget the businesses that are already here," says Corroon. "Local businesses are really the heart and soul of our economic development in Salt Lake County."

Beginning Saturday, Local First will hold a week of events drawing attention to local businesses and products, including a film screening and panel next Wednesday evening broadcast live on KCPW. Event details online at www.localfirst.org.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW