Why Buy Local? Supporting your community equals a lifetime of benefits

1. Reid Office Supply Why Buy Local?Supporting your community equals a lifetime of benefits

2. Economic ImpactMoney spent with Walker County businesses stays inWalker County • For every $100 dollars spent at a local business, as much as $68 stays in the local economy, compared to $43 when the same amount is spent at a chain store. • “Andersonville Study of Retail Economics”

3. Economic ImpactEvery dollar spent locally will turnover 5-7 more times in our economy, based upon the national average Dollars spent with local businesses (68% on first $100) $198 Dollars spent with chain stores (43% on first $100) $125 THE BUCK STAYS HERE Dollars invested with local independently owned businesses earn a significantly higher rate of community return +58%

4. Local businesses provide a strong foundation for the community - taxes, fees, and other assessments These fees support public services, education, parks, and other essential community programs Chain stores are often granted tax subsidies and other preferential treatment that reduce their contributions to the local community Economic Impact

5. Buying Local Creates and Sustains Jobs Small businesses are the largest employer nationally and provide the most new jobs to local residents A chain store may create new jobs, but numerous studies indicate they displace more than one job for each job created Job Creation

6. Our freedom of choice is greatly diminished without a vibrant local business community Even though a big chain outlet may have a broad product offering, a number of independent businesses create greater diversity and options Freedom of Choice

7. Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses When you shop local, you’re supporting the businesses that support local churches, schools, charities, youth groups, sports programs and more Social Impact

8. Supporting local independent businesses preserves the character and uniqueness of the community It encourages entrepreneurial spirit which attracts new commerce and creates new jobs Community Character

9. Local Businesses: Keep more money in our community Contribute more to the local tax base Create more jobs Ensure choices and foster competition Support local charities and community causes Preserve what makes our community special Why Shop Local?

10. Among others, a portion of our profits are shared with: Covenant House for Homeless Youth Star of Hope for Houston’s Homeless KSBJ 89.3 Radio Ministry We are members of: Huntsville-Walker Co. Chamber of Commerce Livingston-Polk Co. Chamber of Commerce Preferred Partners What We’re Doing

11. Sources • Thinking Outside the Box: A Report on Independent Merchants and the Local Economy, Sept 2009 • Local Works: Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy, Sept 2008 • Procurement Matters: The Economic Impact of Local Suppliers, Nov 2007 • The San Francisco Retail Diversity Study, May 2007 • Job Creation or Destruction? Labor-Market Effects of Wal-Mart Expansion, University of Missouri, Feb 2005 • The Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, Oct 2004 • The Economic Impact of Locally Owned Businesses vs. Chains: A Case Study in Midcoast Maine, Sept 2003

12. Reid Office Supply Why Buy Local?Supporting your community equals a lifetime of benefits