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January 5,2009

Choose Local and Save

by pearlgirl

In 2009, spending judiciously has become a priority for most of us. Fortunately, a friend of ours has devised a wonderful way to support local businesses and save money at the same time. It's called the Choose Local Card Program. Very Portland.

Although Mapclicks Owner David Bentley created the Choose Local Card Program back in summer 2007, the program is getting loads of favorable attention these days from the likes of UrbanMamas, Around the Sun, OurPDX, KGW and other local media. Choosing local and saving money has always been a good idea, but in these tough times it has become a necessity.

This year, neighborhood notes is partnering with Mapclicks to further familiarize you with the Choose Local Card Program. Every couple of weeks, we'll introduce you to a local business that participates in the Choose Local Card Program. You'll meet the owners, take a peek inside their shop, find out what type of goods and services they offer and, of course, learn about their current Choose Local Card offer. 

There are nearly 150 local businesses participating in the program, so there's no way we'll be able to visit them all. We'd love to hear from our readers and find out if there is a participating business that you'd like to know more about. After all, this is about saving you money!

 

How to Get Your Card

You can get the Choose Local Card for free when you make any type of a purchase at participating local businesses. Nearly 150 local businesses participate in the program and their offers are updated in the Choose Local database. Check out the list of current offers!

 

Features

  • Easy to Use
  • Instant Savings
  • Exclusive Online Specials
  • Lifetime Membership
  • Accepted at locally owned businesses

 

Benefits

  • No Points to Collect
  • No Waiting for Rewards
  • Instant Offers
  • Giveaways and Prizes
  • Supports Local Businesses
  • Keeps Money in Local Economy
  • Support Your Community

 

Make a Difference

Your dollars do make a difference. Where you spend your hard earned money has a significant impact on your community. It can even affect your own employment. For every dollar you spend with a locally owned business seventy-percent of that dollar goes back into the local economy. When you spend a dollar at an out-of-state owned company over sixty-percent leaves the state. The more money that stays here, the better off we all are.

When you show the Choose Local card you are stating that you support locally owned businesses. These businesses appreciate your support by providing you an instant benefit of reduced prices, or free upgrades, or some other offer. Find a Choose Local business online or look for the Choose Local decal or poster in the window of your favorite local businesses.

 

Which local business would you like to see profiled on Monday, January 12? 

posted at 11:19 AM 10 comments
categories: business
Comments:
jeff - January 06, 2009 05:34 PM
rock n' rose clothing! Their prices, selection, and atmosphere already put them above the competition, and their green business practices and enrollment in choose local card seal the deal. This is the kind of business that makes it easy to choose local.
Eric - January 06, 2009 06:47 PM
Mirador, what a great local store with great sustainable gifts and things that can make life more enjoyable for many needs. Always a place you can find that "perfect" gift.
Chad - January 06, 2009 07:46 PM
Foundation Garments! They have the best selection of guys clothes around and I've gotten my wife several gifts from there too. Everybody wins.
lynnette - January 07, 2009 11:09 AM
We're looking forward to profiling local businesses that participate in the Choose Local Card Program. Thanks for these great suggestions!
marky - January 07, 2009 02:39 PM
gold dust meridian! great happy hour and atmosphere has been great for hawthorne. super cozy and fun. resonable priced keeping customers in mind!
Jamie - January 07, 2009 03:29 PM
POP CULTURE FROZEN YOGURT...WHAT A TREAT!!! THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST FROZEN YOGURT IN THE CITY OR POSSIBLY ON THIS PLANET. GREAT FOOD, GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT YOGURT. THE PEARL SWIRL IS A MUST AND THE PET YOGURTS WILL GET RAVES FROM YOUR DOG OR CAT!
Dave - January 07, 2009 04:43 PM
Fit Right Northwest Running & Walking Store - They offer exceptional service when fitting their customers in shoes. Above that they have a great selection of apparel and accessories for both runners and fitness fans. Their FREE community group runs are a blast as well. It's so cool how they really get other local businesses involved with their community events. This is why I choose local!
Chris - January 07, 2009 06:46 PM
I too really like Fit Right Northwest. I live in SW and do a lot of running in Forest Park. Not only do they do a great job of getting me in the right shoes, but they also have a program where they give back to the Forest Park Conservancy when customers buy Forest Park themed products. I really appreciate it when local small businesses give back to our community.
Margaret Sprinkle - January 10, 2009 02:08 PM
I would nominate The Hip Hound for favorite local business. Jennifer Heckman, the owner, provides healthy products for cats and dogs and is always willing to help a new pet owner understand their animal's needs. It is great having her within walking distance.
Leslie - January 17, 2009 09:37 AM
We love being in the neighborhood. OXALIS, on NW 24th between Thurman and Vaughn is a gardening store in the spring and summer and an awesome gift/clothing store in the fall and winter. The responses to the mix of the outdoor garden and inside jewelry, clothing, art and accessories has been fantastic.
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