By Dixon Bledsoe
The Silverton Chamber of Commerce is leading a charge where great service, value, sense of community, economic vitality, livelihood and sustainability rule.
“Choose Silverton to Shop.Dine.Play ™” is the theme.
“This is not a campaign to guilt-trip people into using local businesses. It is designed to help shops, service providers, industrial businesses, and attractions to work together toward economic vitality and create an environment of sustainability,” Chamber Executive Director Stacy Palmer said.
Joining Palmer on the campaign steering committee are Barry Shapiro of Leaping Dog Marketing, Deb Harroun of Miche Bags, Jim Kinghorn of Mount Angel Publishing/Our Town, Jeff Desantis of Seven Brides Brewing, Aylene Geringer of The Chocolate Box, Robin Williams of Anytime Fitness, Jan Holowati of Silverton Together, Bonnie Lester of Whimsy and Ryan Kackley of Celt System.
The package costs $25 and participants receive a t-shirt, window decal, re-usable shopping bag, rights to use the trademarked logo, and membership in a users’ guild. A $40 fee is the charge for non-chamber members, but a discount will be given if they join the chamber within 30 days.
The owner of Pomegranate, Silverton’s 2010 Business of the Year, is on board.
“I have been on a lot of groups and committees and when I went to the first Choose Silverton campaign I was a little skeptical because sometimes it takes a long time to get things done,” Suzie Couraud siad. “This group already had the project laid out, and it is just perfect. We don’t implore people to shop locally, but to choose local. It is a mentality about making choices to use Silverton Dentists, restaurants, shops, and services. And it isn’t just about retail. ‘Choose’ is such a more appropriate focus. Choose Silverton creates a sense of unity. It is just excellent.”
According to the group’s research, 68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays in town, and businesses with “local campaigns” on average have higher annual revenue than those who don’t – nearly 3.5% higher according to a 2011 study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
The project also puts responsibility on its member businesses – “Are your hours consistent?” “Are you easily accessible during posted hours?” “Do you engage and track your customer’s needs and wants?” “60-65% of Silverton’s workforce leaves our community for employment. Is your business available when locals are in town?”
“Choose Silverton is great for customers because it ensures that we have great products, great service, fair prices, and all in our own backyard,” Palmer said. “Doing business locally helps maintain strong communities.”
To join Choose Silverton call 503-873-5615 or email to [email protected].
