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Shop Local
Mission Statement
Our mission is to use education, promotions, events and networking to encourage citizens and businesses to be Locally Owned Loyal and shop in our community.
Who is iShopLOL?
iShopLOL (Locally Owned Loyal) is a sub-committee of the Anderson Indiana Main Street (AIMS) Program. LOL is a grassroots initiative focused on growing awareness of and nurturing loyalty to locally owned and operated businesses throughout Madison County, Indiana.
Why should I be Locally Owned Loyal?
There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us when we choose to support local independently-owned businesses. We realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally and so we simply ask you to Think Local FIRST! Be LOL (Locally Owned Loyal).
Nearly every dime spent in locally owned businesses goes to support local jobs, local schools, and local community programs. Each time you spend a dollar, we want to encourage you to weigh the full value of your choice and the future effect it has on your family and the community we call home.
Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy that typically amounts to three times that of a national chain. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a chain store only $15 remain in the community, but if that $100 is spent at a hometown business, $45 remain in the community.
We welcome you to join the conversation on Facebook and share your story of how you and others have helped to strengthen our local business economy and community. All you have to do is to start spreading the word. Visit www.facebook.com/iShopLOL and share it with your friends.
Locally owned businesses are the heart and soul of our community. In an effort to make this a successful initiative that reaches as many people as possible, many locally owned companies have been involved in the creation of this program. We invite you to become member of iShopLOL.
Become a member of iShopLOL
iShopLOL (Locally Owned Loyal) is only as strong as our membership! We invite all locally-owned, independent businesses to become a iShopLOL member and let your voice be heard.
Why join iShopLOL?
Local businesses from communities with ongoing “Buy Local” campaigns reported stronger sales than businesses from communities lacking such efforts. iShopLOL supports local business in Anderson and Madison County by increasing community awareness about why we should make as many purchases as possible at local and independent businesses through advertising efforts and at special community-wide events.
Who can join iShopLOL?
Any business or individual can join our iShopLOL. All members are part of the collective voice of Anderson and Madison County's independent businesses.
Member Benefits ($25/year) Include:
- One of the biggest perks of our initiative is that other members learn about your business and our members often make an effort to buy from each other and even to offer special discounts to other iShopLOL members.
- A link to your business website from http://www.cityofanderson.com/shoplocal/
- Facebook likes and links from the iShopLOL Facebook page to your fan page
- Membership in the iShopLOL committee group on Facebook to join in the conversation with other local business owners and citizens who are a part of this innovative initiative
- Complimentary signage and promotional items for your business to show that you are a member of iShopLOL and a locally-owned, independent business.
- Permission to use the iShopLOL logo on your promotional materials.
- You will have the opportunity to put your business cards/brochures/coupons, etc in goodie bags that are handed out at the iShopLOL booth when we set up at special events.
- The opportunity to staff the iShopLOL booth when we are set up at special events. We do ask that all booth staffers talk to booth visitors about the importance of shopping at all of our local businesses when you are in the booth, but we know that name recognition is key to the survival of any business so you will be encouraged to come wearing your own business' logo on your shirt and to bring some of your own cards to hand out too!
What will my annual membership fees be used for?
All membership fees collected will be used to support the iShopLOL mission by providing funds to pay for expenses directly related to promoting the value of shopping local to the citizens of Anderson and Madison County. These expenses include - but are not limited to: promotional items, brochures, website, special events, etc.
The leadership of iShopLOL is made up of independent business owners who have a vision and passion to promote this initiative by donating their time and expertise.
If you would like to show your support for the iShopLOL initiative, please visit our Facebook page or email thinkfirstshoplocal@gmail.com for more information.
Steering Committee Members
Chair: Casey Grant, Mobile Computing Solutions
Vice Chair: JB Shelton, ClipZone Salon & Spa
Secretary: Susan Wilson, Shelter Insurance
Marketing Chair: Erin Campbell, GMACK Graphics
MaryKay Thomas, Readyweb Group
Finance Chair: Pat Storm, Unified Group Services
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