B U S I N E SS
BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON
What’s Eating Norman
N
ormanites are getting loud about supporting local businesses and restaurants during tough times.
Locally Loud is a newfound branding message that is centered around supporting Norman businesses. Cody Giles, the hashtag’s creator, works on the OEC Fiber marketing team and is a local photographer and graphic designer. He created the movement out of a love for his city and a desire to help businesses in need that are suffering from the effects of the ongoing pandemic. “Every time you buy something from a local business, post about it using the hashtag #loudlocal and tag that business,” Giles shared on the initial Facebook post. “It not only supports local business with your purchase but advertises for them.” “Let’s get loud about being local,” Giles continued in his post. The community quickly caught on and the hashtag grew, just as he hoped would happen. His goal was to encourage others to take a moment and share a picture of an item bought or food purchased at a local store or restaurant and then leave a public message about it. The hashtag, he hoped, would create a central place for anyone shopping in Norman to visit and peruse through. Interest generated then encourages further shopping at local establishments. The possibilities of positive effects are endless.
#LoudLocal 96 | January February2021 2021
Giles utilized the colors of Norman’s flag as the inspiration behind Locally Loud’s emblem and logo and also designed unique 12x12 aluminum business tiles that are available for purchase. Each tile is $300 and all proceeds go back to the business that it features.
