Click here for the full .pdf
FAQ Quick Links
Why was the BUY IN campaign created?
Who is sponsoring BUY IN?
What is the goal of BUY IN?
Where do the statistics come from?
Are the results being tracked?
How do you define local?
What is the potential economic impact?
What is the potential impact on Linn County?
How can I help?
What if I need to purchase something not available locally?
What if shifting to a local vendor means paying higher prices?
How do I find a local vendor that meets my needs?
Why was the BUY IN campaign created?
As a business association, the Chamber has always been a strong supporter of consumers, government and businesses buying local. In the summer of 2008 we commissioned a local economic impact study with expert David Swenson, Department of Economics at Iowa State University. The results were astounding and the BUY IN initiative will capitalize on the principle that doing business in our own back yard generates a huge local economic boost.
Who is sponsoring BUY IN?
BUY IN is a Cedar Rapids Area Chamber initiative, however this effort would not have been possible without the following sponsoring organizations, who together, have contributed in-kind products and services to help bring the BUY IN campaign to you. These sponsors have not only supported the launch of this campaign, but have also pledged to BUY IN and shift 5% of their buying power into local Linn County businesses.
What is the goal of BUY IN?
The campaign exists to encourage all area businesses to shift just 5% of what they are already spending back into Linn County. The ultimate goal is to have every Linn County business look at local vendors before sending their buying power out-of–area. It is not about spending more – it’s about keeping more of the dollars you already spend right here.
Where do the statistics come from?
Data for BUY IN was pulled from an input/output model for Linn County using 2006 data for the Cedar Rapids Statistical Area. More than $12 billion dollars is imported to Linn County by consumers, government agencies and businesses, of that, research suggests just over $8 billion of those products and services can be found right here, in our own back yard.
Are the results being tracked?
Yes. Our REPORT IN section allows us to work with pledge companies to track shifts in buying power showing the success and local economic impact of this campaign.
How do you define local?
For the purposes of BUY IN, local means any business, large or small that is located within Linn County. For instance this could be a franchise, National Corporation or a locally owned operation. Remember, all businesses within Linn County support our employees, pay taxes and increase Linn County’s economic impact.
What is the potential economic impact?
Whether your buying power is $100 or $100 million dollars, if we all work together to shift just 5% of our buying power into Linn County the potential economic impact is amazing. According to our research, if our community (businesses, consumers and government) shifts just 5% back to Linn County we would create an additional $400 million annually back into our local community. That could translate into 2,311 new jobs!
What is the potential impact on Linn County?
The impact on Linn County is amazing, not only could we pump hundreds of millions of additional dollars into our local economy, but this type of stimulus is a true multiplier. When your buying power moves through the local community it generates additional income, which in turn creates additional jobs, producing additional buying power, causing business growth and expansion, attracting great new businesses and employees…the list goes on and on.
How can I help?
It’s simple; make the pledge to shift just 5% of your out-of-area purchases back into Linn County. Click here to access our pledge form, once we receive your information we will recognize and promote your business on this website.
What if I need to purchase something not available locally?
There may be times when the things you need to purchase are not available from local vendors. Don’t worry, that is why we aren’t asking you to shift 100% of your purchases locally. Instead, we would like to see your business look at its buying power and pledge to shift just 5% of current out-of-area purchases back into Linn County.
What if shifting to a local vendor means paying higher prices?
We don’t expect you to pay more for goods and services unless you perceive that the value outweighs the price difference. Sometimes local businesses are not the lowest, but we do hope that you give the local vendors an opportunity to present their information and be competitive. Remember that this will strengthen our local business’ understanding of their customer and the competitive marketplace, as well as offer them the opportunity to get their foot in the door.
How do I find a local vendor that meets my needs?
Start with the BUY IN list of companies who have already pledged to make the shift. If you don’t find what you are looking for there, you can access the Cedar Rapids Area member list for access to thousands of area businesses. If your business would like to be included in the Chamber’s list just send an email to Kelly Slaughter to become a member!