With most parts of the country feeling the effects of the recessions, many downtowns are rallying behind the "buy local" movement.  While not a new concept, the economic downturn has made this message ring loud and clear.  Independently owned stores and restaurants, downtown business associations and chamber's of commerce have, with varying degrees of success, touted the benefits of spending your money locally.  This movement was fueled by the advent and proliferation of "big box" and chain stores in the 1990's and early 2000's.

 
The "buy local" premise is simple and intuitive: folks should spend their disposable income at businesses that are locally owned and operated, like those found downtown, which in turn greatly benefits the community more than shopping and dining at national chains.  Patronizing local downtown businesses also encourages in-fill redevelopment rather than sprawl; reduces driving miles, pollution emissions, and congestion; and provides a more personalized rewarding shopping or dining experience.
 
A relatively new version of the "buy local" concept is the 3/50 Project founded by Cinda Baxter of Minneapolis, Minnesota. read more