We're shining the spotlight this week on The 3/50 Project.  From The350Project.Net - "The goal is simple: Ask consumers to frequent three local brick and mortar businesses they don't want to see disappear, and to spend a very affordable $50 per month doing it.
Could be those three. Another three. Doesn't matter. It's about funneling revenue back into local business. You know--the folks that pour money back into the community via commercial property taxes, payroll taxes, sales tax, and salaries (not to mention all that good will by way of volunteer time, silent auctions, sponsored softball teams, workshops, book signings, etc.)."  According to The 3/50 Project, if just half the employed U.S. populations spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.  And for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community trhough taxes, payroll and other expenditures.  If  you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here (probably less, since the chains are pretty much all out of town).  Retailers: you can download flyers to give to each of your customers encouraging them to shop 3/50 style, you can get graphics and text to put on your website, you can sign up to show your support and they will reciprocate with a link to your site, all by visiting (and registering at) The350Project.net.  What a concept, a national "Buy Local" program...Thanks to Sally Morrison of Sierra Madre Books, Maddie Romo of Savor the Flavor, and Ron Brandley of Leonora Moss for bringing this program to our attention.