Bishop - Campaign asks locals to 'Think Local First'

How is a community’s commercial district to thrive if a good two-thirds of its targeted clientele – local residents – take their shopping dollars out of town?

In short, it can’t. Tourists can only provide so much to local tills, a point that’s long been argued by small-business owners sharing space along the U.S. 395 corridor with vacant storefronts.
And it’s a notion that the Sierra Business Council is currently trying to share with consumers through its latest Eastern Sierra project, “Think Local First.”

Lynne Almeida, owner of Spellbinder Books, and Karen Schwartz, owner of Sage to Summit, are putting together the shopper survey that will be distributed at the Banff Film Festival in Bishop March 28-29. Photo submitted

Following a model developed by Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, the Local First program works to ensure that economic power resides locally, sustaining healthy community life and environmental quality as well as long-term economic prosperity.
According to SBC spokesperson Mary Canada, the Local First slogan promotes the idea that simply thinking about one’s own town or city first, in small ways, can be a vital way to start supporting the local community.
Intended benefits of the program include more money recirculating in the local economy, maintaining the unique character and feel of towns, reducing the environmental footprint, protecting natural open spaces by supporting central business districts, leveraging greater support for local community groups and increasing local tax revenue.
“Through celebratory events, marketing of local independent business, networking, local buying guides and other efforts, Think Local First seeks to foster support for the business and people that make communities special and strong,” Canada said in a press release.
The Sierra Business Coun-cil intends to collaborate throughout the Sierra with chambers of commerce, individual business owners, community groups and any resident interested in getting involved. Wasting no time, program proponents have already held a preliminary organizational meeting, formed a steering committee and planned the group’s first activity.
At this year’s Banff Film Festival in Bishop, the Local First group will host an information table where they will ask people to fill out a short shopper’s survey. Those who do will become eligible to win a basket full of local products and services. It is hoped that by asking questions about shopping habits, respondents will become aware of the importance of their shopping habits to their communities at large.
To get involved or learn more about this program, contact Mary Canada via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (760) 934-6150.