West Chicago promotes The 3/50 Project's Shop Local Campaign

West Chicago, Illinois: November 14, 2012 РAs a proud supporter of local business, and a national shop local movement known as The 3/50 Project, the City of West Chicago is launching a Keep the Cheer Here campaign. The program is intended to encourage West Chicago residents to buy seasonal items including clothing, home d̩cor, tree trimming and gift items from West Chicago businesses this holiday. It also encourages patronage at local service businesses and restaurants.

Support for local business is critical to maintaining a stable economy in any community and for many brick and mortar businesses, fourth quarter sales can make or break them and determine whether they can keep their doors open the following year.

The 3/50 Project makes it simple to understand how to help. Choose three locally owned independent businesses and spend a combined total of $50 for all three once a month. It's a realistic, balanced approach that creates serious positive impact. According to Minneapolis-based retail consultant and The 3/50 Project founder Cinda Baxter, for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 remains in the local economy. In contrast, only $43 of every $100 remains local when spent in national chains, and little or no local revenue results from online purchases.

Beginning on November 23, 2012 and running through December 24, 2012, discounts will be offered at a variety of West Chicago businesses to give further incentive to shop locally. For a growing list of participating businesses (as of this date), visit www.westchicago.org under Business.

For more information about The 3/50 Project, visit www.the350project.net.