February 2, 2010
Campaign has generated more than $150,000 of publicity and advertising value

(Spokane, Wash.) – Greater Spokane Incorporated (the region's Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council) is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Buy Local program. Buy Local is designed to preserve and create jobs in the Inland Northwest by encouraging business owners and consumers to purchase goods and services locally.

The program was launched in February, 2009 and has been adopted by the communities of Spokane, Newport, Sandpoint, Liberty Lake and others; it has generated more than $150,000 worth of publicity and advertising value and hundreds of businesses throughout the region have embraced its message by displaying the Buy Local logo on storefronts, vehicles, websites, invoices and many other places.

Finders Keepers owner and Buy Local committee member Deena Moe-Caruso said, “Displaying the Buy Local message and talking about the program has made a difference in my business. My sales are up the past six months over the previous year, and I attribute part of that to the positive message I’m reinforcing by supporting The Buy Local campaign.”

The steering committee is comprised of GSI members committed to generating more business within our local economy. Media are invited to a free celebration lunch at noon Wednesday, Feb. 3rd at GSI, 801 W. Riverside. The committee will also discuss ways to further spread the Buy Local message to encourage greater sales within the Spokane region. Please RSVP to Heidi Whitman ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Maria Vandervert ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you plan to attend.

Visit our Buy Local page for more information about the program.