Did you know that Michigan alone could gain 74,000 additional jobs and some $9-billion in additional economic activity if consumers here chose to support the retail businesses of Michigan by buying local rather than from “remote sellers?” That’s why the Michigan Legislature has proposed and passed resolutions and Governor Rick Snyder has signed a proclamation making this weekend “Buy Nearby Weekend.”
The Governor’s proclamation declares October 7th and 8th to be Buy Nearby Weekend, a special shopping weekend throughout the entire state, sponsored by the Michigan Retailers Association.
The whole Buy Nearby concept was born several years ago and is actually a year-round campaign, but the Michigan Retailers Association has annually set aside the first weekend of October as a time to celebrate the concept of buying from Michigan retailers.
The Governor’s proclamation recognizes the importance of patronizing local stores: “If Michigan consumers chose to support retail businesses in Michigan by always buying nearby rather than from ‘remote sellers,’ Michigan would gain more than 74,000 additional jobs and $9 billion in additional economic activity.”
The proclamation also says that in addition to being a key economic driver, retail also improves the vitality of Michigan’s communities. Both the Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives have recognized the importance of Buy Nearby Weekend.
Major sponsors of the Buy Nearby campaign are DTE Energy and Retailers Insurance Company.
State Rep. Kim LaSata yesterday introduced a resolution declaring Oct. 7 and 8 as Buy Nearby Weekend in the state of Michigan, emphasizing the importance of buying locally and how retailers support over 850,000 jobs across Michigan.
LaSata says, “If everyone practiced ‘Buying Nearby’ Michigan shoppers would create nearly 74,000 new jobs amounting to $2.5 billion in additional wages.” LaSata says “‘Buying Nearby’ stimulates local economies, and directly supports local schools and infrastructure all across Michigan.”
The House adopted the resolution in yesterday’s session. The Michigan Senate approved it today. Here is the full content of the Governor’s Proclamation:
ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF MICHIGAN
I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim
October 7-8, 2017
BUY NEARBY MICHIGAN WEEKEND
WHEREAS, Buy Nearby is an ongoing, year-round campaign, launched by Michigan Retailers Association to benefit Michigan communities and their retail businesses; and,
WHEREAS, the campaign, now in its fifth year, encourages Michiganders to buy from retail businesses near where they live, work, vacation or visit in Michigan so more shopping dollars stay in our local communities and state economy; and,
WHEREAS, Buy Nearby strives to bring a “Pure Michigan” feeling to shopping and get shoppers committed to buying nearby in Michigan; and,
WHEREAS, retailing is responsible for 850,000 jobs in Michigan, and if shoppers commit to buying nearby in Michigan we can create more local jobs through increased local purchases; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan shoppers would create an additional $9 billion in economic activity and nearly 74,000 new jobs amounting to $2.5 billion in additional wages if everyone practices Buying Nearby; and,
WHEREAS, each purchase made when someone buys nearby in Michigan keeps more money within Michigan communities, which improves the vitality of Michigan’s local economies and their quality of life and directly supports our community, our schools, and our infrastructure; and,
WHEREAS, the year-round Buy Nearby campaign has designated October 7 and 8, 2017 as “Buy Nearby Weekend,” a two-day observance for all to celebrate local communities and their retail businesses; and,
WHEREAS, communities and retailers are encouraged to offer special events and other promotions to encourage local shopping and stimulate Michigan’s economy on Buy Nearby Weekend; and,
WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to go shopping with family and friends and support their communities and local retailers by posting photos and comments on social media; and,
WHEREAS, Buy Nearby Weekend will demonstrate that buying nearby can be fun and rewarding to local communities and consumers;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 7-8, 2017 as Buy Nearby Michigan Weekend in Michigan.
Signed,
Rick Snyder
Governor
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market shows Buy Nearby Guy, the Michigan Retailers Association’s campaign mascot when he visited St. Joseph two years ago for St. Joseph Today’s Fall Wine Festival.
