What’s Eating Norman

#LoudLocal

Normanites 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.

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.

“It’s so much more about supporting the people behind the businesses,” Giles shared. “That’s what’s important. It’s so easy to view a business as this androgynous thing, but there’s real people behind it. They’re wonderful people that have been affected and that want to support Norman.”

Jason Olsen, recreation superintendent with Norman Parks and Recreation, added to the idea and is working as a partner with the successful initiative to further the reach.

“Community partnerships are what makes Norman great,” Giles said.

The movement has grown as The City of Norman began hosting a virtual Locally Loud concert series to benefit local artists and businesses.

“The idea with Locally Loud is to get out and make some noise in your community and support businesses and artists, and to help get them through the pandemic,” said Olsen. “It’s hurting livelihoods. We want to make sure everyone is supported.”

The hope is to help fill in some gaps during these tough times.

A recent addition to the lineup is a unique restaurant package that features online cooking and cocktail classes. Local restaurant chefs teach classes utilizing Zoom with prepared recipes, tips and secrets to share.

Ticketholders will have a chance to ask the experts their questions from the comfort of their own homes while creating delicious treats and learning new skills. They will be able to pick up necessary items the day of the event and then join their class virtually later that evening.

Details vary depending on the class but tickets range from $30 to $60 and are available at NormanParks.com.

Scratch’s recent class focused on how to make a special cocktail. Red Rock will soon be featuring a pasta-making class with a featured bottle of wine available as an add-on.

Virtual concerts and classes will continue to be held on select Thursdays and Fridays this February.

Check out NormanParks.com and The City of Norman’s Facebook page for more information. – BSM