Capital City business owners and elected officials are hoping more holiday shoppers will patronize locally owned stores and shops. The “buy local” campaign officially begins this Friday, December 8.
The campaign’s media event at the Lake Ella shops on Tuesday even had local music from Tallahassee’s own Sauce Boss, Bill Wharton. Midtown Merchants President Don Quarello said he not only owns a local business (Waterworks), but he also shops other local businesses.
“When I go into a place and I can shake hands and talk with the owner of the business and the employee there are local residents, it’s so much more important to know I’m giving those people my money and that money is staying in the community,” he remarked.
Kevin Carr with the Council for Culture and the Arts (COCA) added not all local business people own stores.
“We have over 900 local artists that live and work in this community and if you’re looking for an idea for the holidays, how about a piece of original art?” Carr suggested.
The campaign happened this Friday through Sunday, Dec. 8-10, although organizers hope area shoppers will keep buying from hometown merchants long afterward. www.shoplocal850.com
