March 10, first unofficial Shop Local Delmarva Day

Moving ahead with its plans to encourage Delmarva residents to support their locally owned and operated businesses, Shop Local Delmarva has designated the second Saturday of every month an unofficial Shop Local Delmarva Day.  The first Shop Local Delmarva Day is March 10^th. 

Since Shop Local Delmarva is still growing with only a handful of businesses listed in its directory, the theme for the first Shop Local Delmarva Day is simple – tell everyone you know about the importance of shopping locally – and visit at least one locally owned and operated business!  If you want to do more, some ideas are listed below.

If you own a locally owned and operated business:

• If you are not already listed on Shop Local Delmarva, get listed!  A basic listing is and always will be free.
• If you are already listed and want to run a special for the Shop Local Delmarva Day, please email Shop Local Delmarva with details.  Businesses with a free, basic listing can participate in this one-day special, too, at no charge!
• If your business has a website or a FaceBook page, mention Shop Local Delmarva and the unofficial Shop Local Delmarva Day. 

If you are a consumer:

• Visit at least one locally owned and operated business.  You might find surprises you would never find in a big chain store.
• Tell your favorite locally owned and operated business about Shop Local Delmarva.  Be sure to tell them their basic listing is and always will be free.
• If you run your own website or are active in any of the social media sites, mention Shop Local Delmarva and the unofficial Shop Local Delmarva Day.

As each month passes, hopefully the Shop Local Delmarva Day will generate more enthusiasm and participation.  The only way that will happen is by you telling everyone about it and you shopping at your locally owned and operated business.

Top five keyword searches for February:

Your potential customers found Shop Local Delmarva with these keywords (unedited) through Google, Yahoo, and Bing:

• black caterering businesses in worcester somerset wicomico
• buy local buy Delmarva
• http://www.taylorsfreshorganics.com/
• non profit organizations in accomack county
• talbot hunt club local

2012 Independent Business Survey brings good news

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance, an economic development group based in Washington DC, released its survey of 1,768 independent, locally owned businesses from across 49 states.  The news is good, especially for businesses located in areas where there is an active "shop local" campaign.  Some key findings:

• A larger share (61%) of survey respondents reported revenue growth in 2011 compared to last year's survey, when only 54% of businesses reported an increase in revenue in 2010.
• Independent retailers experienced stronger holiday sales than the industry average. While
  overall holiday sales were up 4.1% in 2011, independent retailers in this survey reported that their holiday sales increased an average of 6.7%.
• More than three-quarters of businesses surveyed said that public awareness of the benefits of supporting locally owned businesses had increased in the last year.
• Independent businesses in communities with an active "buy local" campaign operated by a local business organization reported revenue growth of 7.2% in 2011, compared to 2.6% for those in areas without such an initiative.
• Looking specifically at retail respondents, the survey found that those in areas with an active "buy local" campaign reported holiday sales growth of 8.5% in 2011, compared to 5.2% for those retailers in areas without such an initiative.
• According to 85% of respondents, the fact that their business is locally owned and independent matters to some or most of their customers.

Independent, locally owned businesses located in areas where there was an active "shop local" initiative viewed the initiative positively.  What they had to say about the impact "shop local" initiatives had on their business:

• 42% said the campaign had improved the loyalty of their existing customers.
• 41% said it had brought new customers to their businesses.
• 62% said it had increased local media coverage of independent businesses
• 47% said it had made city officials more aware and supportive of independent businesses
• 42% said it had led to more collaboration, purchasing, and mutual support among local
  businesses

Download the complete survey.

With such reported results, Shop Local Delmarva is stepping up its shop local campaign.  There are three main ways you can help:

• In the planning stage is the promotion of making the second Saturday of every month a Shop Local Delmarva Day.  If you have any ideas or suggestions to help make this campaign appealing and successful, please feel free to post them or email Shop Local Delmarva at general@shoplocaldelmarva.com. 
• Shop Local Delmarva (http://www.shoplocaldelmarva.com/) is averaging about seven visitors per day, and, based on the key word searches, they are looking for locally owned businesses.  Unfortunately, the directory is small and not very useful for the potential customers who may be searching for your business.  Please tell your favorite locally owned and operated businesses about Shop Local Delmarva.  Remember, all locally owned and operated businesses receive a basic listing for free and the basic listing will always be free.
• Support your locally owned and operated businesses and Shop Local, Delmarva!





Press Release - Shop Local Delmarva

Contact: Mark Darien                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (23 Nov 11)
general@shoplocaldelmarva.com

SHOP LOCAL MOVEMENT A GROWING TREND
Studies indicate huge benefits to communities promoting "shop local" campaigns

Communities across the nation are increasingly encouraging their citizens to shop local. The belief driving the shop local phenomena is that more money spent with locally owned and operated businesses translates to more money remaining in the community.

A few economic impact studies support this belief. One study out of Austin, TX estimated that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 remained in the community compared to $13 out of the same $100 spent at a nationally owned chain. A couple of other studies in other communities found similar results.

Small communities aren't alone in the push to encourage local shopping. Phoenix, AZ launched a "Shift Arizona" campaign as reported in The Arizona Republic last year. The non-profit organization, Local First Arizona, based the campaign off a study out of Lansing Michigan that found if 600,000 residents shifted 10% of their spending from nationally owned chains to locally owned businesses, the shift in spending would create 1,600 new jobs and pump an additional $130 million into the local economy. The campaign was so successful that Walmart recognized the trend to shop local and began searching for locally grown sources for the fresh food it sells.

"The numbers support our intuitive guess," said Mark Darien, owner and founder of the Shop Local Delmarva website, www.shoplocaldelmarva.com. "The business owners of our locally owned businesses live, work, shop, and play in our communities. They send their children to the same schools we do. They drive the same roads we do. They worship in the same Churches we do. Their profits are returned back to the community. By contrast, the profits of a nationally owned chain are promptly exported to the state where the corporate headquarters are located to be spent there."

After talking to several local business owners and community leaders, Mr. Darien recognized two major obstacles our locally owned and operated businesses face.

The first, and biggest, obstacle is a limited and, in many cases, near non-existent advertising budget that would allow the locally owned and operated business to effectively compete with the nationally owned chains.

The second, and almost as big of an obstacle, is the lack of a resource dedicated exclusively to locally owned and operated businesses that would make it easy for the average consumer to identify and find them.

"Whether you're talking the Yellow Pages or an Internet directory, the business paying the most money gets the spotlight and the little guy gets lost in the shadows," explained Mr. Darien. "And it's no secret that the nationally owned chains have the most money to steal almost all of the spotlight."

With those obstacles in mind, Mr. Darien set out to level the playing field. Following a strict definition of "locally owned and operated", he created shoplocaldelmarva.com exclusively for them. All locally owned and operated businesses receive a basic listing free and the basic listing will always be free. The directory is also tied into the social networking sites to further promote our locally owned and operated businesses and to encourage consumers to think local, first. Affordable subscription services are available allowing businesses to offer coupons or post classified ads. Additional features are planned for release in the coming year.

"I'm in the first year of development," said Mr. Darien, "but the directory is already a useful tool. The website stats show people on Delmarva are looking for our locally owned and operated businesses. Right now, consumers appear interested in our local wines and shoes. Don't ask me to explain it. All I know is the most popular keywords used by people who have visited shoplocaldelmarva.com are 'local wines' and 'shoes'."

shoplocaldelmarva.com was founded in 2010 to help level the advertising playing field for our locally owned and operated businesses and provide consumers with a "one stop" directory of Delmarva's local businesses. The site offers consumers educational articles on the benefits of shopping locally as well as an easy-to-use directory to find and rate their favorite businesses. It offers the business owner an increased Internet presence, limited free advertising, and affordable promotion of their business.

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If you would like additional information or would like to schedule an interview with Mark Darien, please call him directly at [omitted] or email him at general@shoplocaldelmarva.com.

Welcome Snow's Painting Service

Shop Local Delmarva welcomes Snow's Painting Service, LLC to the family of locally owned and operated businesses.  Located in Smyrna, DE and serving all of Delaware, Snow's Painting Service, LLC will meet all of your painting needs.  Everything from painting your home inside and out to deck treatment to powerwashing, Snow's Painting Service will keep your home looking new.  Their team of professional and accredited painters will treat your home as if it were their own.

Welcome Long Neck Plumbing & Heating

Shop Local Delmarva welcomes Long Neck Plumbing & Heating to the family of locally owned and operated businesses.  Located in Long Neck, DE and serving all of Sussex County, Long Neck Plumbing & Heating will meet all of your plumbing needs.  Everything from fixing your faucet to remodeling your bathroom to new sewer / water hook ups to new construction, Long Neck Plumbing & Heating will provide you with the best service.  Call them for a free, over-the-phone estimate.  remember, they charge by the job, not the hour, to save you money.

Welcome Shore SmileLABS

Shop Local Delmarva welcome Shore SmilesLABS to the family of locally owned and operated businesses.  Located on Kent Island in Queen Annes County, Shore SmileLABS serves all of Delmarva and beyond.  Providing chair side teeth whitening services, Shore SmileLABS uses state-of-the-art technology to safely whiten your teeth and give you a beautiful smile.  Gift cards and take home kits are also available.

New Shop Local Delmarva Marketplace

Shop Local Delmarva is pleased to announce the creation of the new Shop Local Delmarva Marketplace.  Please visit Shop Local Delmarva and you will see on the left hand side a classified ads section.  At the present time, the classified ads section can only accept text ads.  Planned within the next year is a full-fledged auction style site that will allow you to include pictures.

While the present classified ad section only accepts text ads, it is quite versatile.  In addition to placing the text ad, you can place a link directing users to your website or even an eBay listing for more details.  It also allows you to quickly place a coupon offer that you can control how long to allow the coupon to run.  Only approved, locally owned and operated businesses will have access to post ads so you won't be competing against national chains or private sellers.

The classified ad section is available to Enhanced subscribers or higher.  However, while Shop Local Delmarva is trying to build the site and traffic, all listed businesses may use the classified ad section free of charge for a limited time.  All free Basic subscribers who choose to test run the classified ad section will be given the option to upgrade their account to continue using the classified ad section or revert to their free Basic listing at a future date.  The free trial run has no set expiration date as it is dependent on the growth of the  website.  Free basic subscribers, however, will be given a 30-day notice that their free trial will expire so that any ads you may have will be able to run their full course.

If you are interested in trying out the classified ad section, please email Shop Local Delmarva for details.

Shop Local Delmarva Marketplace coming soon

Shop Local Delmarva will be introducing a new marketplace on the Shop Local Delmarva website soon.  Tentatively planned will be a classified ads section that all Shop Local Delmarva subscribers at the Premium Level and higher will be able to use.  Please stay tuned for details....

Talbot County to lose a locally owned and operated business

Due to the economic realities of today, Talbot County is losing another locally owned and operated business. After over fifty years of serving Delmarva, rest assured the owner will revamp and continue serving our local communities.  Please stay tuned for details.  In the meantime, be sure to stop by Raffie's for 1/2 off quality beds, mattresses, and furniture!  

Around Dorchester County

Looking for something to do around Dorchester County?  Check out these upcoming events: (Reprinted with permission from the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce)

MAY 3, 2011

Main Street Gallery Meet and Greet With Chesapeake Film Festival   6:00 p.m. 413 Muir Street, Cambridge, MD  21613.  Chesapeake Film Festival welcomes Cambridge and Dorchester County film lovers and the business community to the Main Street Gallery on May 3 for a meet and greet session with the film festival staff. You will hear about the plans for this year's film festival, the goals of the educational outreach program, what to expect for Cambridge, and how you can help with the continued success of the film festival and its objectives. Please come and join in the excitement of another year of great independent films and the filmmakers who create them. Staff members will be available to discuss volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. FREE  For additional information, email at info@chesapeakefilmfestival.com or call 410.822.1012.  http://www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com/

May 4, 2011

Veterans Recognition Committee Meeting   6:00 p.m. at Pleasant Day Adult Day Care Center, Route 16, Cambridge Maryland.  Please join us; everyone is welcome in planning the annual tribute, which takes place in September 2011.

May 5, 2011

Cambridge Mainstreet Farmers' Market   3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. The market is open every Thursday until the end of October in downtown Cambridge at the corner of Muir & Academy St. Cambridge, MD  21613  Buy fresh local produce, fruits, and meats from local farmers. Craft vendors, plants, and baked goods available as well. Every Thursday May 5 through October 13/ For information: www.cambridgemainstreet.com, office@cambridgemainstreet.com, 443-366-3741.

May 6 & 7, 2011

Hot and Tangy BBQ Chicken at Linkwood Salem VFC  10:00 a.m. till? Rt. 50 - 9 miles east of Cambridge in Linkwood, Maryland 21835  1/2 BBQ chicken with bread $6.50.  1/2 BBQ Chicken with bread with Baked Beans & Macaroni Salad $8.50.  Also 16oz. cup Sweet Tea $1.00. Feel free to call-in your orders!!!  410-221-0169

May 6, 2011

Happy Hour is Back at Layton's Chance!   5:00 p.m. at Layton's Chance Vineyard and Winery 4225 New Bridge Rd. Vienna MD  www.laytonschance.com 1 st & 3 rd Fridays at the winery.  Live music, spiced wine, Frappe Vino and all your favorite wines!

Buffet includes homemade chili, hot wings and fresh veggies for only $7.  Music starts at 5, winery closes at 8:00 p.m.  This evening: JohnE Wa2C

 May 7, 2011

Visit Emilys Produce Mother's Day Weekend Family on the Farm    8:00 a.m. - 2206 Church Creek Rd. Cambridge, MD 21613.  "Kyle's Farm Fun" activity area, Coty Jones Photography will be taking "Pictures in the Patch" So come ready for a special family photo.  410-228-3512  Emily's Produce is now open 7 days a week through October!  www.emilysproduce.com   "Moms" can finish the weekend at Emily's Produce on Sunday with a dish of FREE Strawberry Shortcake...an annual tradition! Get ready for a weekend full of fun along with their own LOCAL Strawberries too!  443-421-0789 visit their website: www.emilysproduce.com or on facebook: www.facebook.com/emilysproduce  Emily's produce is open every day through the October!

 

Chesapeake Classics Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting At Their New Location   12:30 p.m. 300 Sunburst Highway, Cambridge, MD  21613  410-228-6509

Lighthouses of Dorchester Town Hall Event   2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Dorchester Visitors' Center 2 Rose Hill Road Cambridge, MD  21613.  FREE  All ages are welcome.  Guest speaker from US lighthouse society, Chesapeake Chapter, light refreshments, historical displays.  Come hear about lighthouses serving Dorchester County since the 1870's, and learn about the progress of the Choptank River Lighthouse Replica project. Also Lighthouse book signing by the Author of "Keep Your Glow On".

Cambridge Mainstreet's SPRING FLING!   6:00 p.m. - 9:00 a.m.At the Cambridge Yacht Club.  Mad Money, Music, Food and Fun!  Watch for details at www.cambridgemainstreet.com and www.facebook.com/cambridgemainstreet Tickets are $50. Call ahead to reserve yours now!  443.477.0843

Terry Allen Gives Bird Walk at Blackwater NWR   8:00 a.m. 2431 Key Wallace Drive, Cambridge, MD. At the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center (their temporary location at the head of Wildlife Drive) and usually lasts 3 to 4 hours.  The Birding party is usually in car pools, stopping at various points around the refuge's Wildlife Drive.  Binoculars and field guides are recommended, and they will gladly lend you one of theirs.  No fee or registration.  Please call 410-228-2677 for more information.

1 Hour Walking Tour of Cambridge Historic District  1  11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. $8 Adults, Children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.  Meet your colonial costumed guide at Long Wharf at the foot of High Street.  Free parking available.  www.weca@cambridge.org.  410-901-1000.

Skipjack Sail on the Nathan of Dorchester   1:00 p.m .- 3:00 p.m. Long Wharf, Cambridge MD. 21613. Adults $30; children 6-12 $10, under 6 free.  Reservations: 410-228-7141 or info@skipjack-nathan.orgwww.skipjack-nathan.org

2011 Six Pillars Century-Blackwater Bicycle Tour Character Counts Mid-Shore  

6:00 a.m. Check in begins at Great Marsh Park, Cambridge, MD. 21613. This bicycle tour starts at Great Marsh Park in Cambridge.  The majority of the ride is through the picturesque Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.  4 ride choices, including a 11 mile family ride, a 37 mile fun and fitness ride a 56 mile Ironman Eagleman 70.3 Course, and a 100 mile Century Course.  Rain or shine and the cost of registration is $55 through March 31, and $65 per person through May 1. Registration for family ride is $40. For on-line registration and info please go to www.6pillarscentury.org.  410-829-0436 or asteward@goeaston.net

May 9, 2011

The Early Bird Gets the Brunch At Adkins Arboretum Adventure/to Benefit Choptank Habitat  8:00 a.m.  Starting at the Arboretum in Ridgley (Rain date Tuesday, May 10) Cost $65 per person.  Hosts: Anne Croker and Margaret Worrall.  12 lucky enthusiasts will enjoy an early morning bird walk with Dr. Wayne Bell, noted bird expert and co-founder of the Washington College Center for Environment and Society.  A sumptuous brunch at the home of Anne & Doug Croker will make for a lovely beginning to a spring day.  To sign up for this event please call 410-476-3204