Local Proud

The desire to support locally owned businesses is an emerging factor in people’s shopping choices, with more and more people seeking out locally owned shops and goods. Local farms and farmers’ markets are more popular than ever as people have discovered the health and ecological benefits of eating locally produced food.  Also, travelers seek out destinations that offer them a sense of being someplace…not just anyplace.

Why Join Local Proud?

According to a 2008 study by the Institute for Local Self Reliance, “independent retailers (have) found that a desire to support locally owned business is emerging as a factor in people’s shopping choices.”

Additionally, according to the study, retailers in cities with active “Buy Local” campaigns reported much larger increases in holiday sales on average than those in cities without such campaigns, citing 2% growth compared with a less than .05% growth in cities without a “Buy Local” campaign (for the year 2008).

Who Can Join Local Proud?

Locally Owned and Independent Businesses.  Locally owned means the business is privately held and at least one of the principal owners lives within 20 miles of Milford.  The business must be registered in New Haven or Fairfield counties.   To be independent the owner or owners have full decision-making authority over the business.

Locally Operated Non-Profits including preservation, historical or art councils as well as economic and business associations will find benefits in joining Local Proud.

Local City Agencies

What Can Businesses Expect from Local Proud?

Marketing for the Local Proud campaign will include in-store banner advertising, print media teaser campaigns and local and national publicity.   Marketing campaigns will be refreshed regularly and new components added to the program to keep interest keen and illustrate the ingenuity, uniqueness and entrepreneurship of our independent businesses. 

This campaign will appeal to residents and visitors by highlighting the reasons independent businesses are critically important to developing, growing and ensuring strong, vibrant communities; while, at the same time, highlighting the direct economic role that consumers play every time they purchase services or goods.

Is There a Cost to Join Local Proud?

Yes.  The cost is $35.00 per year.  If you join in 2009, your $35.00 will be good throughout 2009 and 2010.  Renewals will be every January. 

How Do I Join Local Proud?

Contact us directly via email: localproud@milfordlocalproud.com; or call Susan at 203-874-0115. 

For more information on Local Proud, and the Local Proud marketing and publicity campaign, visit the Resources section where there is a complete explanation of the program.