Coming in mid-September... Take the pledge to make the 10% Shift!
THE DECLARATION OF LOCAL INDEPENDENTS
The time has come for the Chico community to take a stand for local economic independence! Locally owned and independent businesses (Local Independents) demonstrate every day that the closer to home we do business, the more our communities and the local economy benefit. When we buy from Local Independents (instead of non-locally owned businesses) the "Local Multiplier" is set in motion and local economic activity grows by as much as three-fold.
We represent Local Independents from Chico. We publicly declare that by shifting where we spend our dollars, Chico can build a strong and more independent local economy. This "Declaration of Local Independents" calls for a more perfect economic structure and inspires bold action. Chico Local Independents ask you (citizens, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies) to sign the 10% Shift Pledge to shift 10% of your purchases from non-local businesses to Local Independents.
Making this modest behavior change will have a transformative impact on Chico. Several studies have detailed the significant influence a 10% shift would have on local economies—substantial economic growth and major job creation. As this movement gains momentum, and more dollars begin flowing to Local Independents, Chico will become a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurial energy. This renewed and invigorated economic climate will unleash the entrepreneurial spirit of Chico, resulting in the expansion of Local Independents and the creation of new ventures.
At a time when new ideas are needed, the 10% Shift offers an immediate and measurable way to strengthen our local economy and build a better future. It is a strategy that leverages our economic power, stimulates the emerging green economy, and is inclusive -- offering hope and resources for the most economically distressed communities. By galvanizing communities around a shared vision of a sustainable and just economy, citizens become empowered to create healthy communities and to uplift the quality of our lives.
We invite you to make a big difference in our community by making a simple shift in your purchasing choices.
Support Local Independents--Foster a vibrant and sustainable community—Create new jobs--Build a strong local Chico economy today!
TO SIGN ON TO THE DECLARATION, send an email with your business/non-profit name and "Yes to the Declaration" in the subject line, to: thinklocalchico@gmail.com no later than October 1st. Remember, signers must be local (more than 50% of owners live in the Chico area), and independent (top management decisions -- like changing the company logo -- can be made by the local owners without any need for approval from anyone else).