The City of Bellingham is reaching out to remind area residents to save gas, save jobs and save essential services by shopping locally.
A series of radio advertisements now airing are intended to increase awareness about the personal, community and economic benefits of shopping locally whenever possible, especially during today's uncertain economic times.
The ads encourage people to "save gas, save jobs, save essential city services" by shopping in Bellingham.
"When you shop in other cities and counties this holiday, you take with you dollars that our local businesses need now, more then ever," says Bellingham City Council President Barbara Ryan. "And the sales taxes we pay on out-of-area purchases leave the area, too. Bellingham needs sales and other business taxes to support essential city services like police and fire protection, parks, libraries and much more."
"Out of area advertisers want to lure us away with great bargains that we have to drive long distances for. But when we consider all the costs, are they really bargains?" she said.
Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike said the radio ads are timed to reach holiday shoppers, but the message is important all year long.
"Our neighbors own and work at businesses that need our patronage. Their jobs depend on us. And Bellingham has so much to offer. Check with our local businesses first, before you make the drive elsewhere or before you shop on-line," Pike said.
For more information about the campaign, contact the Mayor's Office. Visit the partner agency websites below for more information about shopping locally:
Published: Dec 11, 2008
