Can we plug the leaks in the local economy?
Perhaps the simplest and most foolproof way to build wealth in the region is to keep more dollars circulating in the local economy. Every dollar spent in locally owned stores or for locally produced goods and services has a beneficial multiplier effect far beyond a dollar that immediately flows out of the region.
This section will cover the efforts to support local businesses and to study how our dollars are flowing in and out of the local economy. Two priority areas will be energy and food — necessities that drain billions of dollars out of Northeast Ohio each year (thus this section will have a lot of links to the Energy and Food sections of the site where we will cover regional energy and food systems).
Local resources
Cleveland Originals
FutureHeights: HeightsShops program - "In an increasingly homogenized and wasteful society, neighborhoods built around small-scale commercial districts and unique local businesses
pose a more attractive and sustainable alternative to characterless sprawl--not only making for better quality of life, but freeing up resources for improved future growth."
ibuyneo.com of COSE - "I Buy NEO is a program dedicated to educating residents of Northeast Ohio on the importance of buying from local, independently owned businesses and the local economic impact it has on our region.
Northern Ohio Minority Business Council - Supplier diversity is increasingly a competitive advantage for progressive corporations. This trend creates new opportunities for business relationships. The NOMSDC helps minority businesses of all sizes in Northern Ohio meet challenges and seize opportunities. We facilitate corporate and minority business enterprises (MBE) relationships, advocate and coordinate MBE development efforts, and provide access to educational, managerial, and technical assistance.
National resources
The Hometown Advantage
Rocky Mountain Institute Economic Renewal Program
Think Local First (Portland)
The 3/50 Project - Saving the Bricks and Mortars Our Nation is Built On
