(SPOKANE, Wash.) – The Buy Local Campaign has received statewide recognition for the first time. The Association of Washington Business (the state’s Chamber of Commerce) has selected Buy Local for a Community Service award for a “Project that mobilizes people into action.”

While Greater Spokane Incorporated (the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council for the Inland Northwest – GSI for short) is spearheading the effort, community members deserve the credit for powering the campaign. More than 70 companies (members and nonmembers of GSI) have joined the movement in its first three months of operation. Local businesses have donated over $53,000 worth of radio spots (Radio Spokane & Clear Channel Radio); $30,000 of advertising space including a billboard and print ads; $4,000 of video production and more than $3,000 in promotional materials. In addition, Buy Local committee volunteers have donated countless hours handing out flyers, posters and talking up the campaign at events and door-to-door. Businesses have started branding their own advertising with the “Buy Local” logo. Local TV outlets and the Spokesman-Review have covered the Buy Local campaign process, as well.

“This effort comes at a crucial time for businesses. When we all think locally and buy locally, the ripple effect is amazing. I’m proud to be part of the Buy Local campaign and excited to help other businesses get on board,” said volunteer Deena Moe Caruso, owner of Finders Keepers.  GSI’s efforts in the campaign have been successful in showing the impact companies can have on the community and their local economy by simply “thinking local first.”  For more information about the Buy Local campaign, visit greaterspokane.org and click “Buy Local.”

The AWB Community Service Awards will take place on May 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Davenport Hotel. Rich Hadley, CEO of GSI will present opening remarks.  Fisher Communications' president and CEO Colleen Brown is the night's keynote speaker. She will discuss the issues of "Understanding and Working in the Age of New Media."

Annual Community Service awards are given to AWB members throughout Washington State in the areas of community beautification, helping people in need, projects that mobilize people into action, recognizing volunteerism, education, and youth organization.

About the Association of Washington Business

Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 6,500 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit www.awb.org.

About Greater Spokane Incorporated

Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region.  Your Regional Chamber and EDC, GSI is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood.  For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE.