To help promote local, independent businesses, the "Concord Indies" (Concord Independent Business Alliance) is running two public programs this fall and through the winter holiday season.
The $2 Bill Campaign has been underway since October 1, involving specially-marked $2 bills. October's $100 Shopping Spree winner was Dr. Melinda Lindquist of Carlisle. "I'm so glad the Indies are educating the pubic about the health of our local economy," said Lindquist. "It really is up to all of us to help by doing business locally."
The Indies are currently circulating $4,000 in these special $2 bills. After receipt, the bills are being given again to customers rather than deposited in the bank, allowing the program to continue through the holidays. "The $2 bill campaign is intended to show how money circulates in our local economy," said Marie Foley of Concord Hand Designs, the Indies' president. Studies have shown that locally-owned Indie enterprises keep considerably more money in the community than do formula businesses such as chains, franchises and box stores -- 68% versus 43% of local economic activity. "Business owners and shoppers continue to be excited about the $2 bills, and participation has been strong," said Foley.
There are two more opportunities to win Concord Indie Shopping Sprees in November ($150) and December ($200). Every time a $2 bills marked with the red "Spend Local - www.ConcordIndies.org" is spent with a participating Indie, the spender gets a chance to enter the next Shopping Spree drawing.
Silent Auction from December 1-17
From December 1st through the 17th, the Concord Indies will be holding a "Silent Night" silent auction throughout Concord. Proceeds will benefit Beacon Santa. Participating Indies donate an auction item from their place of business. The item is displayed at their business along with a bidding sheet. Non-retail Indies will display their donated item at one of the retail members' locations. Bidders will enter their bids at the location displaying the item they want.
On the last day of bidding, December 17, the involved Indies will stay open until 8 PM, at which time the bids will close. The winners will then be contacted, and the funds collected will be donated to Beacon Santa benefiting local individuals and families in need.
Helen Halloran, owner of the Concord Flower Shop, and the Indies board member coordinating the auction says, "This is what Indies are all about: giving back to the community. We appreciate all the support from our loyal customers -- The Silent Night Auction is one way to say thanks." The Indies are hoping to make the auction an annual tradition.
Among the items donated to the silent auction are a bohemian silver pendant from Albright Art & Craft, a Concord throw blanket from the Harness Shop, a twin-size quilt from Quilter's Way, a gift basket from the Main Street Market & Cafe, four hours of elder companion care from Caring Companion Connections, a year of flowers from the Concord Flower Shop, and a hot stone manicure from Maximum Image by Sue.
"Economists who study vibrant, local economies agree that indies deliver substantially greater benefit to local charities than do chains," said Kati Winchell, a friend of the Indies and their co-secretary. "By donating to this local charity, we Indies are walking our talk, supporting a long-time community fund."
See www.ConcordIndies.org for more about the Shopping Spree drawings, a list of the items offered through the Silent Night auction, and a full list of Concord Indies members.
The $2 Bill Campaign has been underway since October 1, involving specially-marked $2 bills. October's $100 Shopping Spree winner was Dr. Melinda Lindquist of Carlisle. "I'm so glad the Indies are educating the pubic about the health of our local economy," said Lindquist. "It really is up to all of us to help by doing business locally." The Indies are currently circulating $4,000 in these special $2 bills. After receipt, the bills are being given again to customers rather than deposited in the bank, allowing the program to continue through the holidays. "The $2 bill campaign is intended to show how money circulates in our local economy," said Marie Foley of Concord Hand Designs, the Indies' president. Studies have shown that locally-owned Indie enterprises keep considerably more money in the community than do formula businesses such as chains, franchises and box stores -- 68% versus 43% of local economic activity. "Business owners and shoppers continue to be excited about the $2 bills, and participation has been strong," said Foley.
There are two more opportunities to win Concord Indie Shopping Sprees in November ($150) and December ($200). Every time a $2 bills marked with the red "Spend Local - www.ConcordIndies.org" is spent with a participating Indie, the spender gets a chance to enter the next Shopping Spree drawing.
Silent Auction from December 1-17
From December 1st through the 17th, the Concord Indies will be holding a "Silent Night" silent auction throughout Concord. Proceeds will benefit Beacon Santa. Participating Indies donate an auction item from their place of business. The item is displayed at their business along with a bidding sheet. Non-retail Indies will display their donated item at one of the retail members' locations. Bidders will enter their bids at the location displaying the item they want. On the last day of bidding, December 17, the involved Indies will stay open until 8 PM, at which time the bids will close. The winners will then be contacted, and the funds collected will be donated to Beacon Santa benefiting local individuals and families in need.
Helen Halloran, owner of the Concord Flower Shop, and the Indies board member coordinating the auction says, "This is what Indies are all about: giving back to the community. We appreciate all the support from our loyal customers -- The Silent Night Auction is one way to say thanks." The Indies are hoping to make the auction an annual tradition.
Among the items donated to the silent auction are a bohemian silver pendant from Albright Art & Craft, a Concord throw blanket from the Harness Shop, a twin-size quilt from Quilter's Way, a gift basket from the Main Street Market & Cafe, four hours of elder companion care from Caring Companion Connections, a year of flowers from the Concord Flower Shop, and a hot stone manicure from Maximum Image by Sue. "Economists who study vibrant, local economies agree that indies deliver substantially greater benefit to local charities than do chains," said Kati Winchell, a friend of the Indies and their co-secretary. "By donating to this local charity, we Indies are walking our talk, supporting a long-time community fund."
See www.ConcordIndies.org for more about the Shopping Spree drawings, a list of the items offered through the Silent Night auction, and a full list of Concord Indies members.
