LIVING LOCAL: A Community Coupon Book for Central Oregon

What does it mean to "live locally" and what difference does it make? A local living economy provides secure and fulfilling livelihoods for all people, works in harmony with natural systems, supports biological and cultural diversity, and fosters a community life.

LIVING LOCAL: A Community Coupon Book for Central Oregon isn't "just a coupon book," it's a regional and national economic movement! Portland, Seattle, Fort Collins, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Austin, Buffalo and Boston all have thriving local living economies. We know we can do it here, too, because the movement has begun! We are all co-dependent with our community, the land, and our businesses. We want to do our part in supporting Central Oregon, and hope you will help keep Central Oregon thriving socially, economically, and environmentally.

LIVING LOCAL enhances the livability of our community, the stability and diversity of the local economy, and the prosperity of independent, locally owned businesses through increasing awareness about the personal, community, and economic benefits of choosing local first. It is not always possible to buy everything you need from locally-owned businesses, but if everyone purchased one more item locally when they shopped, the effects would be tremendous. The point of this campaign is to encourage people to Live Local First, that is, to choose locally owned businesses when choosing where to buy goods and services.

This book is our first edition with coupons spanning May 2009 to November 2010, printed locally on FSC-certified paper. We hope with future editions we car further support the local, independent businesses that make Central Oregon unique. We plan to expand our book to include more from Sisters, Sunriver, Redmond, and beyond, but we cannot do it alone! Join the movement! Live la vida local!

~The Living Local Team

Keep it real. Keep it local. Keep it downtown -Downtown Bend (roll over for link)

-Sparrow Bakery

Yes We Are Shopping Locally. -Deschutes Democrats (roll over for link)

Ten Reasons to support Local Independent Businesses

You build stronger community
Entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

You keep places fun & unique
One-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of our town and yours… residents and visitors alike seek out what's rare and unusual.

You encourage local prosperity
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in our community's future.

Your money goes further
Significantly more money re-circulates when purchases are made from our very own businesses, service providers, and farms. Local-to-local purchases strengthen community. An Austin, TX study showed that three times the revenue stays local when you choose a local merchant over a chain merchant (13% vs. 45% per dollar).

You create more good jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and provide the most jobs to residents.
You help social, cultural & ecological projects
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from local owned business.

You get better service
Local businesses are closer and more accountable to their customers. They hire people with more specific product expertise and customer concern.

You get more choices
A multitude of smaller businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

You reduce environmental impact
Locally-owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation. These businesses choose proximity to city and neighborhood centers, lessening your transportation costs and easing our carbon footprint.

You put taxes to good use
Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.

This website is under constant revision...please check back soon or contact us at livinglocalbook@gmail.com