A Madison newspaper is urging its readers to do their holiday shopping at local businesses in an effort to stimulate the regional economy in lieu of the nation's current financial difficulties.'
The Isthmus, a weekly newspaper, wants readers to spend at least $100 of their budgeted holiday spending money at locally owned stores throughout Dane County. According to a news release, $15.9 million could be put back into the economy if local residents participated in the effort.
""Madison has always been supportive of locally owned businesses,""Colin Murray, Isthmus advertising manager and Dane Buy Local board member, said in a statement. ""This is just one more way to show our loyalty to these businesses, even in challenging economic times.""'""
The Isthmus is not the only weekly paper pushing for local businesses - the effort is a part of the national Alternative Association of Newsweeklies that are organizing similar endeavors around the country. The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and the American Independent Business Alliance also assisted in creating the project.'""
The effort will continue through the holiday season. To pledge your participation in the project, go to the Isthmus' website at www.thedailypage.com/promotions. Lists of locally owned businesses in the area can be found at www.DaneBuyLocal.com and www.visitdowntownmadison.com.
