KCBA - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy
Member Center:
CARMEL VALLEY, Calif- What began as an off the cuff concept has developed to become one of the fastest promotions in small business history. It is the The 3/50 Project.
The vision from a retail consultant and blogger, Cinda Baxter, tossed out a suggestion that consumers actively support three locally owned businesses, then asked that they commit $50per month to them.
“Letʼs call it the 3/50 Project,” she quipped, before hitting the send key and filing the idea away. Days later she reopened the idea and begun creating downloadable flyers, graphics and blogs.
“The makeup of the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce consists of many “brick and mortar” shops from restaurants to wineries. In this economic time of downturn the CVCC wanted to remind locals to support our businesses, but we needed something more than just “Shop Local.” “says Elizabeth Vitarisi Suro, Managing Director of CVCC. Along came The 3/50 Project which incorporates the “word of mouth” concept that matches the buying habits of many of the consumers today.
About The 3/50 Project:
Created to build loyalty and increased revenue for independent, locally owned businesses, The 3/50 project relies on a simple message: “Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy.”
• Pick three locally owned businesses you would hate to see disappear, and then return to them.
• Spend $50 per month in locally owned businesses. If half the employed U.S. population did so, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.
• For every $100 spent in locally owned businesses, $68 returns to the local community.
When spent in a big box, chain, or franchise, $43 remains. Purchases made online return nothing.
For more information visit www.carmelvalleychamber.com or call 831-659-4000 or email elizabeth@carmelvalleychamber.com.
