Buy Local RI

A Small Business Advocacy Council initiative to support local businesses in tough economic times

Lt. Gov. Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, is proud to announce Buy Local RI, a statewide initiative to grow sales and consumer base for locally owned businesses during challenging economic times. Roberts and members of the Small Business Advocacy Council will join with members of local Chambers of Commerce, local business owners and state and local elected officials to help create a statewide network and website dedicated to expanding the market for local businesses and products by connecting people to Rhode Island businesses.

If you are interested in participating, e-mail: buylocalri [at] ltgov.state.ri.us

Buy Local RI Logo Design Competition

More than eighty artists and designers submitted logos to the Buy Local RI logo design competition. The submissions have been reviewed by the Buy Local RI Workgroup, and a winning logo is in the process of being chosen.

The winning design will be revealed at an upcoming Buy Local RI event, to be announced. That design will receive statewide exposure, and be prominently featured on all Buy Local RI marketing materials and the website.

Thank you to all the designers and artists who submitted a logo for consideration.

Building a Statewide Network and Launching a Buy Local RI Website

On Wednesday, January 7, 2009, Lt. Gov. Roberts hosted a meeting to launch the next phase of Buy Local RI. The meeting was attended by local business owners who began discussions of a statewide network and the development of a Buy Local RI website.

The following presentation was shown at the meeting.

If you are interested in joining this group, e-mail: buylocalri [at] ltgov.state.ri.us

Shop Locally

You can help small businesses and the economy in Rhode Island by shopping locally. Just think first about making your purchases at a locally-owned, independent business. A small shift in your spending habits can have a large impact on Rhode Island's economy. A 10% shift towards local businesses has the power to grow economic output 20%, generate millions in economic activity and create hundreds of jobs.

Buy Local RI "Main Street" events

Starting with the holiday season, and continuing through the new year, Lt. Gov. Roberts will build on existing "shop locally" initiatives and visit "Main Street" shopping districts across the state to highlight the opportunities and benefits of choosing to Buy Local RI. The public is invited, and encouraged to attend.

Upcoming "Main Street" Events:

• January 30, 2009 NARRAGANSETT: 3:30 p.m., at 4A Pier Marketplace, Narragansett
• February 12, 2009 BRISTOL 10:00 a.m., at 10 Franklin Street, Bristol
• February 25, 2009 WAKEFIELD 10:00 a.m., at 315 Main Street, Wakefield
• April 1, 2009 CENTRAL FALLS 2:00 p.m., at 657 Dexter Street, Central Falls

Buy Local RI "Main Street" Event Schedule:

• November 19, 2008 WESTERLY
• December 2, 2008 GREENVILLE
• December 4, 2008 PAWTUCKET, Wintertime Market
• December 4, 2008 PROVIDENCE, Downtown
• December 5, 2008 WICKFORD
• December 15, 2008 PROVIDENCE,Broad Street
• December 17, 2008 WARREN
• December 22, 2008 NEWPORT