The "Concord Indies" (Concord Independent Business Alliance) are celebrating their first birthday later this month. Part of the celebration will see the launch of "The 10% Shift," which is also taking place in communities such Boston, Arlington, Somerville, and across New England."It was amazing to see how quickly this organization came together. We've already had a community-wide effect," said Kati Winchell, who provided a pivotal spark by organizing a workshop for independent businesses last June sponsored by Save Our Heritage. This workshop followed the activity the prior year surrounding the attempt by CitiBank to move into two retail spaces on Walden Street. "Just one week after the workshop, 40 businesses launched the Concord Indies, with over 60 businesses involved by December. The energy gathered behind this effort is an indication that this is exactly the right timing."
The Concord Indies are part of a growing nationwide movement, with similar alliances operating around the country including several in metro-Boston. An independent business alliance is a coalition of locally-owned independent businesses, citizens and community organizations united to support hometown businesses. Such alliances are a proven tool to help maintain unique town character, ensuring continued opportunities for entrepreneurs, building local economic strength, and preventing the displacement of locally-owned Indie businesses by chains. Business types include retail, service, manufacturing, agriculture and more.
"The 10% Shift" Begins
"As a result of the Concord Indies' public education efforts, all through the holidays people came into the store every day to tell us how much they valued and supported us, which was wonderful to hear," said Marie Foley of Concord Hand Designs on Main Street. "Many told us they were going to do more of their business in local Indie establishments as a result."The "10% Shift" is focused on exactly this type of transition to local independent businesses of all types. The 10% Shift invites people to shift 10% of their current spending to local, independent businesses, and away from chains, malls, and distant businesses on the internet. It launches in Concord on June 25 as part of the Indies' birthday celebration, and on July 1 in other cities and towns.
Regional shift organizers estimate that if the five million households in New England shifted 10% of their existing purchases from non-local businesses to locally owned independent businesses, thousands of new jobs would be created, and millions of dollars of new economic activity would occur in New England. All this can happen without the use of one taxpayer dollar.
| Did You Know?
Local firms generate 70% greater local economic impact than chains per square foot, or 58% by revenue. |
New and renewing Indie members receive a discount on the membership fee through June 19. "This is an excellent time to join the Concord Indies," says Debbie Bier, owner of several Concord Indie businesses including her private holistic therapy practice, Greater Wellbeing, and SprialBeading.com. "We invite not only independent businesses, but individuals, families, sponsors, and nonprofits to become members. The health and direction of our local economy affects and concerns all of us."
The Concord Indies have a "No Indie Left Behind Policy," helping any Indie who wants to join in become a member. This includes quarterly payments when PayPal is used on their website, and other ways to make membership affordable for all Indies.
The Concord Indies have several upcoming dates to note:
- June 1-19: Discounted membership rates for Indies that join or renew (see website for details)
- June 24: Next meeting - Potluck celebration of Concord Indies' 1st birthday for current and prospective members; discussion of upcoming events
- June 25: Launching of 10% Shift
- July 4: Concord Indies at Picnic in the Park
- July 1-14: "Celebrating Our Independents," a national movement to strengthen local economies and their independent businesses
To learn more or to join as a member, see their website at www.ConcordIndies.org, or contact Marie Foley at 978-371-2118 or info@ConcordIndies.org.
