‘Local First Week’ encourages the community to think local first
By Michelle Vendegna – Reporter-Herald Staff Writer
Full Article Link: http://www.reporterherald.com/news/loveland-local-news/ci_31468695/
Members of the Loveland small business community participated in the launch of a statewide campaign to encourage shoppers to try local shops first this holiday season and beyond.
“‘Local First Week’ is an initiative to raise awareness of shopping locally, especially in Colorado,” said Kylie Brown, communications coordinator for Local First Colorado and Downtown Colorado, Inc., organizers of the event that was announced Monday in downtown Loveland.
The week goes from Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, through Dec. 1. The idea of the campaign is to encourage shoppers to think local not for just one Saturday or a week at the holiday season but year round.
“We really want people to think about changing their habits,” Brown said.
The two sponsoring agencies worked with the Loveland Downtown Partnership/Downtown Development, U.S. Small Business Administration and the Larimer County Small Business Development Center for the Loveland launch.
Three Loveland businesses were showcased, Cloz to Home, Independence Gallery and Origins Wine Bar & Wood Fire Pizza.
“We just want to make sure people know, first off, that we are focused on community and that our small businesses are every bit a part of that community,” said Jacque Wedding-Scott, executive director of the Loveland Downtown Partnership/Downtown Development.
Members of the partner organizations took a walking tour of downtown Loveland with stops at each of the three businesses. The business owners were able to answer questions and talk about their role in the Loveland downtown community.