I’m excited to report that the Buy Springfield program is having a positive effect on our community.
In the last six months of 2011 our county sales tax revenue was 4.4 percent higher than it was during the same period the previous year. And early estimates are indicating we’re going to see a 5.23 percent increase in the sales tax revenue for the first quarter of 2012.
While we can’t make a direct connection between the Buy Springfield campaign and this increase in sales tax revenue, I wholeheartedly believe that our residents are more aware of the impact of shopping local and when possible are making that choice.
I’m regularly running into individuals, whether it’s at church or at the grocery store, who tell me that before the Buy Springfield campaign they had no idea the kind of impact buying local has on our economy. They have become more conscious of their buying habits. Perhaps you have too.
Thanks to participating businesses – from retailers to car dealerships, restaurants to services – Buy Springfield window clings are displayed all over Greater Springfield. Our billboard, radio and TV campaign sent out a message loud and clear that buying local DOES make a difference.
As you now know:
- $68 out of every $100 spent at a locally owned Greater Springfield business stays in the community in the form of jobs and sales tax for county services, such as roads and law enforcement.
- If that $100 is spent at a big box store in Greater Springfield, $43 still stays in our community supporting jobs and services.
- Purchases made out of town bring zero dollars into our community.
Now it’s time to build on that momentum – starting with our businesses on Springfield’s west end.
On Thursday, I met with Upper Valley Mall and Bechtle Avenue retail and restaurant owners to discuss the rebranding of these key shopping areas to 41 Crossing. While Bechtle Avenue is arguably one of our busiest traffic areas and the Upper Valley Mall is our largest generator of sales tax, we feel they have not been marketed as well as they can be.
Branding these two major shopping/dining areas as one unified shopping destination will make a significant difference in how these areas are perceived and will help local and out-of-town shoppers see that they’re sure to find what they are looking for at 41 Crossing.
The Chamber is working on a branding campaign that will include signage, way-finding and joint marketing efforts.
We’re confident our Bechtle and Upper Valley Mall businesses will be excited to support this effort. Not only will they see a direct benefit to their businesses but they will be helping our entire community support local jobs and services.
If you are interested in learning more about Buy Springfield or the 41 Crossing campaign, feel free to call the Chamber’s vice president of Operations, Kathy McPommell at 325-7621.
Have a great Chamber day!
