The Savvy Shopper

About a year ago, many of you will remember that the TriLocal initiative was introduced to the residents of Rutherford County. The concept was to shop locally in the towns of Rutherford, Spindale and Forest City. TriLocal decals were placed on merchants doors and residents were urged to "Try Local". With this in mind, a new, but compatible, initiative is underway by local merchants to promote not just shopping in the three towns, but also throughout the entire county. You will be seeing a lot in days to come on merchants' FaceBook pages, websites, etc. about The 3/50 Project!

What is The 3/50 Project? It's a nationwide, grass-roots effort to promote shopping locally by committing to select three locally-owned businesses and spend $50 cumulatively at those businesses during a month's time. That equates to $600 a year. The project does not ask you to fore go the Wal-Marts or other big box businesses in the area, but to consciously commit to supporting the locals as well.

According to a 2009 US Labor Dept. report, if half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain or big box store, only $43 stays in Rutherford County and if you spend in online, nothing comes home!

For more information about this program, feel free to check it out at www.the3/50project.net.

Now, start thinking about which three Rutherford County locally-owned businesses you will support this month - and let the shopping begin!

Just remember - Pick 3. Spend 50. Save our local economy! Pass the word.