First Selectman Tetreau and Fairfield Business Community Kick Off New ‘Buy Local’ Campaign

Fairfield, CT - As part of the Town’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses, First Selectman Mike Tetreau, Director of Community and Economic Development Mark Barnhart, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz and over a dozen members of the Fairfield business community gathered yesterday at Independence Hall to kick off a new town-wide initiative, ‘Buy Local.”

The campaign, which is aimed at building more public awareness about the importance of buying local, will extend through this holiday season and into next year. The campaign will feature informational displays, outreach to community groups and other promotional activities to underscore the important role that small businesses play in creating economic opportunity and preserving community character.

First Selectman Tetreau stated, “Our small businesses help define our community and create a unique sense of place. They pay taxes, create jobs, and contribute to local non-profits, charitable causes and youth programs. We need to invest in our small businesses if we are to see them not only survive, but prosper and grow.”

Fairfield Director of Community and Economic Development Mark Barnhart agreed, noting “We are fortunate to have a strong and diverse local economy with relatively low vacancy rates and new businesses that are opening virtually every week, but we want to keep it that way. Small, independent businesses—particularly those in the retail sector—face many challenges, from rising costs to increased competition from on-line shopping, which threaten their very survival. That is why we are launching this campaign, and asking people to choose local whenever possible.

First Selectman Tetreau noted that small businesses continue to be the backbone of the local economy, and are responsible for the vast majority of new job creation. “We know that dollars spent at local businesses are reinvested largely within the local community, helping to grow our local economy and build our tax base.” He continued, “Studies show that each dollar spent at a small independent business returns 50 times more money to the local economy than buying from a non-local, on-line retailer.”

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz said, “The Chamber recognizes the challenges that local businesses face daily which is why the Chamber is excited about this new initiative, and strongly supports this ‘Buy Local’ Campaign. In partnership with the Town, the Chamber will continue to echo and reinforce this theme throughout the year with a variety of events, including its Monday Money Saver and Street Banner programs, to not only benefit its membership, but the business community as a whole.”

Mr. Barnhart noted that the Town will again serve as a Neighborhood Champion for 'Small Business Saturday' on November 24th. On that day, the Town and Fairfield Chamber will have a “welcome station” on the Old Town Hall Green as part of the Santa Arrival event, where all passersby will receive complimentary shopping bags and be encouraged to ‘Shop Small’ and ‘Buy Local’ this holiday season and beyond. Additionally, Mr. Barnhart reminded everyone that the Town’s website, www.experiencefairfieldct.org, provides a platform through which local restaurants and stores may obtain a complimentary listing to enhance their visibility and connect with customers.