01. KEEP MORE DOLLARS IN THE LOCAL ECONOMY
When you choose to buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned chain, more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.
02. EMBRACE WHAT MAKES OKLAHOMA UNIQUE
Where we shop, eat and hang out is what makes our community home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are a vital part of what makes Oklahoma a
great place to live.
03. HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. They also generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe, which can reduce the amount of driving Oklahomans have to do in order to purchase goods and services and helps to contribute less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
04. LOCAL BUSINESSES CREATE MORE JOBS
Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in many areas, provide better wages and benefits than national chains do.
05. BETTER SERVICE AND EXPERTISE
Local business owners often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know their customers.
06. BETTER USE OF YOUR TAX MONEY
Local businesses require less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.
07. NURTURE COMMUNITY
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community and care about investing in the future of Oklahoma. They also contribute more than twice as much of their revenue to charitable causes as the corporate chains.
08. PRESERVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Entrepreneurship fuels America's economic innovation and prosperity, and provides a way for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class. Plus, the success of locally owned, independent businesses provides real-life inspiration to our younger generations, proving that they can stay in Oklahoma and succeed on their own terms.
09. MORE CHOICES
A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. Independent businesses selecting products based on the needs of their local customers and not a national sales plan, guarantees a more diverse range of product choices.
10. ENCOURAGE FUTURE INVESTMENT
In an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.