Going local Tap into the green benefits of buying and selling close to home

EtOR MOST independent business

.l-' owners. the idea of buying local is pretty familiar-at least with respect to our own businesses.

We know that money spent in our stores, from folks in our own community, tends to stay in the community. A good chunk of our salaries and those of our employees will likely be spent and invested locally, for other goods and services, as well as contribute to local taxes that pay for fire, police, and other municipal services.

Awareness of these benefits is spreading and giving rise to hundreds of buy-local campaigns that could be an important component of your green strategy.

Recently, the media has covered the growing interest in buying locally produced food, as "locavores" seek to reduce the "food miles" and carbon footprint of their daily meals. Right alongside, the shop local movement has been quietly picking up steam.

Organizations like BALLE, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (www.livingeconomies.org), and AMIBA, the American Independent Business Alliance (www.amiba.net), and a few others are experiencing rapid growth. Combined, they represent over 30,000 independent businesses and over 130 local networks, with the bulk of those forming over the last two years. Not surprisingly, a growing number of these businesses are LBM dealers.

"Joining an independent business alliance, or starting one in your local community, is not unlike joining a co- op, where members can benefit from group buying on advertising, supplies, etc.," says Jeff Milchen, co-founder of AMIBA. Milchen counts the recession and growing interest in reducing environmental impacts as two of the main drivers lifting the number of independent business alliances they work with from 30 before the recession to an anticipated 75 by year's end.

Both organizations provide support to locally focused business networks to educate the community about the benefits of buying and "thinking local." BALLE's Alissa Barron points out that there's a strong economic case for local businesses to form col-

By Jay Tompt

for buying renewable energy."

Seeking to tap this trend with some innovative twists is San Francisco start-up Viv (www.doyouviv.com).

It's a forward-thinking rewards program that helps green customers entice participating retailers to continuously green their operations with a simple card scan. The businesses take green steps based on the number of customer visits. while the Viv team offers consulting, free energy audits, and discounts from affiliated wholesalers. Meanwhile, customers can share pride in a business' accomplishments and become more loval.

For most independent LBM dealers, this trend plays to your natural advantage, but you can't sit on your hands. Join your local network, put signs in your windows, buy your supplies locally, and start educating your customersboth contractors and homeowners-about the community benefits of buying local.

laborative networks that promote buying locally. "Dollars spent at locally owned businesses circulate in the community two to four times longer, and do two to four times more good, than those spent with chains," says Barron. "We're also finding that businesses end up collaborating on broader issues, too, like pooling resources

There may be opportunities to pool resources with fellow local businesses, too. If you're sourcing local materials, make sure to point them out-they can also contribute to LEED regional credits. All in all, by fully embracing your local selves, your business will benefit and your community will, too.

- Jay Tompt is managing partner of William Verde & Associates, a consulting firm dedicated to helping LBM and home channel retailers, distributors, and manufacturers become green leaders in their communities. He can be reached at info@williamverde.com or (4 1 5 ) 32 I0848.

Steve Lawrence, ex-Anfinson Lumber Sales, and Victor Hernandez are new to sales at California Timberline. Chino, Ca.

Dave Rupp has joined J.H. Baxter & Co., San Mateo, Ca., as business mgr. of its TimberWood Products specialty line of laminated lighting poles and accessories.

Bryan Borovec and Gary Newman, ex-Pacific Western Lumber, are new owners/partners at Pacific Alaska Lumber, Lakewood, Wa. Gary Goodman, ex-Pacific Western, is a new trader.

Mark Mitchell has been promoted to chief operating officer for Serious Materials, Sunnyvale, Ca.

Mike Mclnnis has joined CustomBilt Metals, Chino, Ca., as national sales distribution mgr.. overseeing the company's expansion to onestep distribution.

Bill Bevacco is the new sales rep covering California for The Ipe Clip Fastener Co., Gaffney, S.C.

Murray G. Smith has been promoted to chief financial officer for Jewett-Cameron Trading Co., North Plains, Or.

Bill Kraut, general mgr., and Gordon Meling, contractor sales, Hadlock Building Supply, Port Hadlock, Wa., are celebrating 10 years with the company.

Rod Young, chairman and former c.e.o., RISI, Boston, Ma., has added the role of chief economic advisor. Lynn Michaelis, exWeyerhauser, is a new contributor to RISI's North American Housing and Macroeconomic forecasts and analysis.

Darryl Martin has joined the sales force at Fraser Cedar Products, Maple Ridge, B.C.

Jay Lund has been named president and chief operating officer of Andersen Corp., Bayport, Mn.

Wayne Van Tassel, Samuel Strapping Systems, Olympia, Wa., will deliver a presentation on product identification solutions to increase productivity and improve company image Nov. 6 at the NAWLA Traders Market in Chicago,Il.

Dan Bohannon, Bohannon Lumber, Orange, Ca., teamed with tennis pro Brian Cheney to win the USTA National Indoor 60's Tennis Championships at the Seattle Tennis Club, Seattle, Wa.

Ms. Anne Thrope has filed sexual harassment suits against all the male employees of MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.