Portland Buy Local
This Thursday was downtown worker appreciation day in Portland. At various points throughout the city there were booths set up with free coffee and goody bags, with smiling people handing them out to those of us who labor inside the 04101 zip code. I admit, it worked. I did feel special. I felt lucky that I worked downtown and that someone was recognizing the value of the Portland workforce. This event used to happen every year but it has been hiatus. Now it is held as a joint effort of Portland’s Downtown District and Portland Buy Local.
It made me realize how effective the Portland Buy Local organization has become since it began two years ago.
It all started when there was talk of a Hooters opening on Congress Street. The mere possibility provided an opportunity for a community dialogue about what we wanted for Portland. And while the skimpy waitress outfits of Hooters caused a stir, it was the idea of a chain restaurant going in that caused more concern. An ordinance limiting chain establishments was developed and ultimately repealed. Hooters never opened. However, there was still a lot of conversation within the business community about the larger issue: Supporting local business.
Enter the formation of Portland Buy Local. Portland Buy Local is a campaign of the Portland Independent Business & Community Alliance. Their mission is to support locally owned, independent businesses in Portland, to maintain our unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build community economic strength, and prevent the displacement of community-based businesses by national and global chains.
In two short years, the all-volunteer board has put together a web site, an independent business directory online and in print, a holiday sale campaign and ongoing advocacy and education about the values of spending your dollars with local businesses. Their motto: Keep Portland Independent.
I am impressed that they have been so visible and so organized in such a brief amount of time. It is a testament to the character of the people that work here. There is great pride in our independence. People come to Portland because it has an identity. It does not feel like it could be any other place in the country. Thank God. This authenticity resonates with residents as well as tourists.
Growing up in Vermont, I used to love walking down the main street of Burlington with all its quirky shops and restaurants. Going back now is painful as Banana Republic and Borders have replaced those businesses that gave the city personality.
Recently a homeless man on Congress Street asked me for money to get a cup of coffee. I asked him where he was buying his coffee. He said that Starbucks gave him the biggest coffee possible for $1.50. I told him that I didn’t support that national chain but I would give him $2 if he bought it from a local coffeehouse instead. “Believe me, I’d prefer it,” he said. He then proceeded to tell me about this cool program in Massachusetts called BerkShares where the town prints their own money, with beautiful designs by local artists. Go into a BerkShare bank and you get to exchange federal dollars at a rate of ninety cents per BerkShare.
Homeless guy well-versed in local economics: $2
Starbucks: $0
http://www.portlandbuylocal.org/
Posted on Monday, October 27, 2008 in Permalink
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Reader Comments:
Another good article. Good for you and good for the homeless man. I'm proud of you. Love, Mom