Lake in the Hills looks to expand Shop Local campaign

Lake in the Hills officials are hoping residents think globally and shop locally.

The village is considering a second phase of its Shop Local campaign, which aims to teach residents the benefits of spending money in town.

Keeping dollars within Lake in the Hills helps strengthen the local economy, adds jobs, improves the environment, encourages area businesses to help sponsor local events and groups, and enhances community identity, said Assistant Village Administrator Shannon Andrews.

The village first unveiled the first phase of the program last summer, which focused on educating residents about shopping locally. Seven businesses were involved in this part of the campaign.

This time, officials hope participating businesses will also offer discounts to residents who sign up for the campaign via e-mail. Those who submit their e-mails would receive a monthly note with an ad from the businesses that includes a discount. And retailers that agree to participate will be featured in the village's business directory and plugged in a business spotlight on the village's Web site or in its publications.

Officials hope 12 businesses sign up for the program's second phase - enough for a unique discount every month.

"As of right now, each one of the businesses are so different in nature that they're going to have a discount that's going to fit with their own program," Andrews said.

Officials hope to unveil the program later on this year, after gauging local interest.

If your business would like to participate, send an e-mail to sandrews@lith.org.