Buy Local? The Small Business Struggle…..

Jun 28

Buy Local? The Small Business Struggle…..

I was recently sent a message by a local person commenting on a group I work with to help local businesses and the community, it is called The Business Ideas Exchange (BIX) and it stuck with me, do local business owners really want to succeed? Here is the comment…. “This is a good start. I prefer to buy local when possible — and that’s a big...

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What The $20 Shift Means To Our Community

Oct 30

What The $20 Shift Means To Our Community

Over a hundred miles outside of LA, on the edge of the Mojave Desert, a scenario has played out that is mirrored in communities around the United States. As an exurb (a large community lying well outside of the suburbs of a major city) the High Desert is kind of forgotten by big businesses, not quite rich enough in natural resources (except sun and wind!) for major...

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Self Checkouts Don’t Know My Name

May 21

Self Checkouts Don’t Know My Name

I talk to machines a lot more often these days.  I’ve been left with no choice… Whether at the grocery store, the gas pump, or the hardware store, I find myself in the following (maddening) conversation several times a week… [scan my first item] “Thank you for shopping at StuffMart,” chirps the monotone-yet-friendly female...

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Eat A Carrot, Save The World

Feb 21

Eat A Carrot, Save The World

One of the most intriguing studies I found when preparing to launch RelyLocal was a research paper out of the Leopold Center at Iowa State, titled “Checking the Food Odometer: Comparing Food Miles for Local Versus Conventional Produce Sales“. In short – the average carrot travels 1,838 miles before it reaches your table. Think about that for a...

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Steve Ramsey Talks About Hyper-Local on 9-News (NBC-Denver)

Sep 23

As part of RelyLocal’s national “Local Business Matters” tour, Steve Ramsey is often asked for a quick interview. Yesterday the team was in the Denver area (to support campaigns that are just launching in Parker, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Broomfield, and beyond in Boulder and Grand Junction.) He had a chance to sit down with Gregg Moss for a...

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Borders Bookstores Is Closing – Bittersweet News For Indy Booksellers?

Jul 19

After not being able to find a last-minute savior, the Borders Group will begin closing its remaining 399 stores as soon as Friday, and the liquidation is expected to run through September. To be honest, this might not be the worst news for communities, as a 2002 study showed that for every $100 spent at a local Borders, only $13 stayed in the community (vs. $45/$100...

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