RelyLocal, an Oregon start-up, unveiled its new website today. The release was timed to celebrate their first year in operation, with the launch of local chapters in over 550 cities, supporting over 20,000 local businesses, and creating over 330 new jobs across the country. In addition to a completely new look and enhanced underlying architecture, RelyLocal adds new features to complement their local campaigns, designed to rebuild local economies by promoting the importance of local business. The new platform also allows the company to cut operating costs, continuing to retain at least 90% of membership revenue at the local level.

"We can pay the farmer, or we can pay the hospital..." - Birke Baehr

I think this is great. One of our newest chapter owners is putting together a campaign to get his community in Everett, WA to support local charities instead of paying good money to see Charlie Sheen on his Torpedo of Truth tour (whatever that is…) Personally, to me, there is something oddly perverse about paying good money (up to $600, apparently), to watch...

Here’s a great graphic from Frugal Dad that gives some great visual representations of just how HUGE WalMart really is… Rather than spoil the creativity with a summary of the data, check it out for yourself: Source: http://frugaldad.com A little something to think about as you do your Holiday shopping… ;^> – Steve Ramsey Share or...

This year, my wife and I are 100% committed to doing our Christmas shopping with local merchants and craftsman. Why? Because we care! It’s not just about our caring about our local economy, but caring for our friends and family too! This may be extremely politically incorrect to ask, but how many times have you reached under the tree to open a gift, only to...

I, for one, am absolutely guilty of forgetting to take pause in order to reflect on the things that I am truly thankful for in this world. (My wife is extremely patient with this unfortunate disability.) I am not one to wear my heart on my sleeve. Yet, this morning, while enjoying my coffee as the snow flutters outside my window, I’ve had a little time to...