Media

CHAMBER LAUNCHES BUY MOWER/GROW MOWER CAMPAIGN
Public asked to "take the pledge" to shop more locally, help economy grow

The Austin Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with its nearly 400 members and retailers throughout the county launched a campaign, today, aimed at improving our area’s economy and quality of life. Buy Mower/Grow Mower is a campaign designed to raise public awareness as to the important benefits of shopping locally.

“In recent years, our members have become increasingly concerned that too many dollars are being spent outside our communities in Mower County,” said 2008 Chamber President Jeff Baldus, owner of Culver’s Restaurant. “Studies conducted by the University of Minnesota show that over 40 percent of the retail dollars that could be spent here are instead spent elsewhere. That adds up to a loss of over $134 million in taxable sales alone! Those dollars leave our community to help other communities grow. We want to reverse that trend, and help Austin and all of Mower County reach our potential. If we are successful, we will see more businesses, more successful businesses, more and better job opportunities, more charitable giving, more prosperity and a better quality of life for everyone.”

The key message of the Buy Mower/Grow Mower campaign is a request to residents, businesses, organizations and units of government to shift 10% of the money they currently spend out of town back to businesses located within Mower County.

“We not asking anyone to spend any more dollars or to shop exclusively in Mower County,” noted Baldus. “That just wouldn’t be realistic. All we’re asking is that people take a look at their buying habits, and then make a concerted effort to shift at least 10 percent of their spending back to Austin and Mower County businesses. We think that should be easy, and that people will find they not only will receive great service and value from local businesses, but that they also will save time and fuel. It’s win-win for everyone!”

A 10 percent shift in spending habits would add over $20 million to our local economy, according to the Chamber, helping to strengthen our commercial base. Collectively, Mower County businesses employ over 13,000 people, support local units of government through property tax payments, and contribute millions of dollars to charitable organizations.

“We estimate that Austin Area Chamber members alone contribute more than $3 million each year to organizations within Mower County,” Sandy Forstner, executive director of the Chamber, said. “Businesses pay the highest rate of taxes of all property classifications, providing essential support for our schools and local units of government while reducing the burden on residential property. As these businesses succeed or fail, so does our community.”

The main visual elements for the campaign are sales receipts, which are incorporated in the Buy Mower logo and in advertising messages that underscore local benefits. Key messages note charitable contributions to local projects, such as Wescott Field and the Hormel Institute, tax support for public services, such as parks, and job creation. “For Every Local Purchase There’s A Local Purpose,” the subtheme notes.

“Sales receipts are a symbol of economic activity,” Forstner said. “They are a simple contract between buyer and seller. The more receipts a business generates, the more likely it is to succeed. When those dollars are spent here, they are more likely to stay and circulate here, creating a pathway to a stronger community.”

People choosing to “take the pledge” can do so on-line at IBUYMOWER.COM or by completing a printed registration form, included in promotional brochures available at participating businesses, and returning it to the Chamber. Those who do will be eligible for monthly prize drawings, including $100 in Chamber Bucks. You will have an option to receive special offers from participating businesses, as well.

“We’re not going to track whether an individual meets their commitment or not,” said Forstner. “We’re not asking for an exact dollar commitment. We’re just asking you to take a look at your shopping habits, and make a commitment to give Mower County businesses more of your business—not all of the time, but when it makes sense for you. If you make a conscious decision to do so, we think you’ll find there are many benefits to shopping locally, both for you and for others who live and work in Mower County. Together, we can build a better community.”

Do your part, and take the pledge.