Want to boost your city’s spirit and rev up the area economy? Buy local.  It’s an increasingly popular strategy among Americans who want to free themselves from chain store sameness and keep their spending money close to home.  “We’re finally getting the point across that if you spend $100 at a local business, $45 stays within the community,”  says Stacy Mitchell, senior researcher with the nonprofit Institute for Local Self-Reliance.  “Spend $100 at a national chain and only about $14 recirculates.”  Buying local is also about trading superstore sterility-and packed parking lots-for something more unique.  “It’s all about the experience,” says Mitchell.  “You enjoy walking to the bookstore during the day and to a restaurant in the evening.  It’s about choosing the quality of the experience over the cheapest option.”

This desire for distinctness is turning area goods and services into neighborhood favorites.  Maryland’s Linganore Winecellers, for example, has scores of state residents as fans, and Hawaiian residents are partial to the Manoa Honey Company in Oahu.  What’s more, independent business alliances in Utah, New Orleans and Portland, Maine are championing buy-local campaigns, and these local business groups are growing at the rate of about 25 percent a year, Mitchell reports.

But will localism’s popularity fade faster than last year’s fringed boots?  Not a chance, says trend expert Joel Kotkin, author of The Next Hundred Million:  American in 2050.  He expects the interest to grow as boomers retire and seek locally owned shops and eateries.  Adds Mickki Langston of Denver’s independent business alliance:  “You think, ‘Do I want my community to have the same stores as the rest of the world? Or do I want an experience I can’t find anywhere else?’”

Taken from AARP Magazine September/October 2010

Join UNL Extension Agent, Lindsay Chichester to learn new and exciting BEEF dishes and to get a twist on the old dishes.  Also, learn how to create great meals on a budget or meals with healthy options.

Classes start the first Tuesday of the beginning October 5th (including November 2 and December 7), from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Falls City Senior Citizens Center.

The cost is $15 per person, per session and includes all ingredients and a “continual” recipe book.  You just need to bring your favorite apron!  For more information contact Lindsay Chichester 402-245-4324 or lchichester2@unl.edu.  Look online at www.richardson.unl.edu for all the details!  Call today to reserve your spot!

Four (4) Nebraska-Colorado Football Tickets to be raffled at the Fish Fry

September 11th at Prichard Auditorium

Get your raffle tickets now at all local banks!

These fights will be held Saturday, August 28th at Prichard Auditorium.  Doors open at 5:00 p.m. the fights begin at 6:00 p.m.

Get your tickets early – they are going FAST!

General Admission: $25

VIP Seating: $35

Tables for 10:  $300

Volunteer Form

As a business owner, you have an important stake in the revitalization of downtown Falls City. While much progress has been made in Falls City recently, what puts the most ‘feet on the street’ are our events. Cobblestone, our biggest event, is only 30 days away.  Yet as successful as these events are, two questions always arise.

Why do we close streets for some special events? Simply, it is done for the safety of attendees, merchants and volunteers.

Why do we have special events downtown? First, special events bring thousands of people to downtown Falls City. With so many visitors here, the opportunity for downtown merchants to generate extra income is greatly increased. This is a day-of-event benefit.

Second, special events allow visitors to see all that Falls City has to offer. While not everyone who attends an event will be shopping, certainly they will all be looking – looking at what stores, restaurants and services are here.

Pay Attention to the “Curb Appeal” of Your Business-Sweep outside, clean your windows, and keep the walkway free of trash & weeds. Inside, make sure your business is clean, well-lit and inviting. Fresh flowers and balloons are great, quick fixes. Dress up window displays and merchandising with the event theme.

If they have an enjoyable time during the event, they are much more likely to return at a later date to make purchases. This is an after-event benefit.

Third, successful events get people thinking about Falls City as a destination for shopping, food and entertainment, rather than as a place to pass through to simply get somewhere else. This is a long-term goal.

Attached are some ‘Tips for Better Business’ that will give you helpful information on how you can make money during these events, and will provide you with tools you can use to attract people and bring them into your store – before, during and after the event.

Event Tips ]]> http://fallscityareachamber.com/2010/07/27/make-your-register-heat-up-this-summer/feed/ 0 http://fallscityareachamber.com/2010/07/15/back-to-school-drive/ http://fallscityareachamber.com/2010/07/15/back-to-school-drive/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:55:24 +0000 admin http://fallscityareachamber.com/?p=537 “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. ” – John Dewey

Needed:  School supplies and back packs!  Help prepare a local child for school!

Please bring all items to:

Total Entertainment

1623 Stone Street

By August 15th

We are aware this is a busy time of year for everyone.  If you are unable to join us, please fill out the questionnaire and return it to the Main Street office (1705 Stone Street) or email it fcchamber@sentco.net by Tuesday, July 20th at 5:00 p.m.

Community Vision Planning Questionnaire

There are over 400,000,000 users on Facebook.  For every ‘friend’ on your Facebook page you save $3.60 in advertising cost.  Check out Falls City Area Chamber and Main Street Falls City on Facebook for other ideas!

Follow this link for one more example of how Facebook can help your business!  http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2010/july/119291/Owner-credits-Facebook-with-saving-his-restaurant

Reza will in be in Falls City for one night only, Saturday, July 17th.

The performace will be held at Falls City High School at 7:00 p.m.

Adult tickets are $15.00

Student tickets are $10.00

Call the Chamber to reserve your tickets today! 402.245.4228