When your family and friends ask you why you take pride in your place—whether it be your state, city, or neighborhood—what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Hi, Victoria here, Community Engagement Manager for People First Economy. I love getting asked this question, and especially because I’m not originally from the West Michigan region, I find myself answering it quite a bit. Without fail, my mind immediately dives into the small business community: the retailers with carefully curated goods, the restaurants with locally sourced ingredients and specialized menus, the outings I’m able to take solo—or group—dates to. My heart beats for what these community pillars offer—they’re why I came here, and why I’m sure to stay. For me, thinking local first looks leaving a glowing Google review; it looks like sending a new business Instagram profile to my friend, insisting that we have to check it out; and above all, it looks like shifting my spending and seeking local alternatives not only when I have some loose change weighing my wallet down, but especially when I’m able to make small impacts with my daily needs.
Whether you’re on a journey to integrate local spending into your everyday life, or you’re a seasoned Localist who aims to continue investing back into your community, there are a few foolproof ways you can begin to shift your spending:
1. Support local retailers in business corridors around the region
I love to shop as much as the next person (okay, twist my arm, more than the next person), and West Michigan is the place to be for all your retail needs! Neighborhoods around the region hold pockets of incredible retailers: from clothes, to books, to vinyls, gifts, cards, and more, you are guaranteed to find everything you need at a local store near you. Next time you have a gift to purchase, or of course want to treat yo’ self, I challenge you to explore a new corridor and experience not just the high quality of items you’ll find there, but the glowing shopkeepers who are sure to put a smile on your face. To explore West Michigan neighborhoods and shops, visit our directory here.
2. Support local grocers and order from a new-to-you local restaurant for your weekly takeout
One of my favorite ways to shift my spending is to challenge myself to support a new restaurant when I’m planning on ordering carry out. Fortunately for us, West Michigan has so many diverse food offerings; I have yet to run out of options, and I don’t see it happening anytime soon! But don’t fret, if you’re more likely to opt for a homecooked meal, we are also showered with a variety of local grocers. Specialized stores, like Supermercado Mexico and Harvest Health Foods, offer all the basics plus a variety of new treats to try. Truly, my stomach is rumbling, and my purse is walking itself out the door as I type!
Find more restaurants and grocers near you here.
3. Attend a new local experience, class, or workshop
West Michigan is constantly bustling with activities; whether it be a locally owned theatre to cool off in and catch this summer’s must-see, or a family-owned florist offering seasonal arrangement workshops, there is always an outing to be had! Try your hand at a new skill or venture out with your family and friends by exploring all event offerings the region has to offer.
4. Book a stay at locally owned hotels and lodgings
Because West Michigan is so fabulous, you must have friends and family visit you all the time (I mean, who could blame them?!) Next time you’re hosting your crew, or are seeking a Staycation in your town, consider booking a room at an independently owned hotel (yes, they exist!) or even a cute Bed & Breakfast. Who could pass up on all that charm!
So, are you ready to take the first step?
All July long, we are celebrating our fifth annual Indie Month and highlighting the independent businesses that make our community unique. This year, there are two great ways to play and support the local businesses you love. Take the BINGO and/or Love Your Locals challenge and be entered to win a West Michigan Staycation donated by Local First Members. Included in this incredible package is:
- An overnight stay at CityFlatsHotel Grand Rapids
- Gift card and free movie vouchers from Sperry’s Moviehouse
- Colossal Cashew Decanter from Koeze
- Original artwork from Reb Roberts of Sanctuary Folk Art
- A delicious cocktail kit from CellarDoor Preserves
- A gift card to Harvest Health Foods
- A gift card to a Gilmore Collection restaurant
- A coupon booklet for free menu items from Restaurant Partners
- A basket of groceries and gift card from Supermercado Mexico
- A gift card and selection of Michigan goods from Schuler Books
- A gift card to OTONO
- AND two design class gift certificates to Eastern Floral!
All of this could be yours, just from showing some love to your favorite local businesses! Learn more on how to play and find participating locations near you at peoplefirsteconomy.org/indie-month. The winner will be selected on August 12th, so there is plenty of time to play along!
Remember: small changes create big impact. When you shift your spending, whether it be $1 or $100, your dollars are creating positive change in the communities we’re lucky to call home. Make sure to tag us on social media @localfirstwestmi—we’d love to see what thinking local first means to you!
