Shop Local campaigns launched

Both the Warwick and Stanthorpe Shop Local campaigns were launched last week.
Southern Downs Regional Deputy Mayor Peter Blundell was the MC at both events, which were the initiative of the council’s economic development unit.
The launch gave businesses an opportunity to have the first look at the new Shop Local logo.
“Reference groups, made up of local business owners, were set up in Stanthorpe and Warwick to provide advice on what the branding, the theme and campaign should entail,” Cr Blundell said.
“The main purpose of the launch is to increase the spending with local business suppliers in the Southern Downs region,” he said.
“We want to encourage businesses to purchase their product locally – from their peers – we call this ‘Business to Business Marketing’ (B2B).
“It is a vital part of maintaining our local economy by increasing the proportion of spend retained in each town.
“The council is leading the way by supporting the program and shopped locally for the graphic design of the logos and material printed for (the launches).”
Cr Blundell said the money spent locally supported vital services in our communities.
“Local businesses care about their community and the council is encouraging you to purchase your goods locally and reinvest in our community,” he said.
“Our local purchases support local jobs.
“Thriving local businesses help attract new entrepreneurs and skilled workers to our community.
“I look forward to seeing the Shop Local campaigns grow and prosper as local businesses get behind one another and take ownership of the program,” Cr Blundell said.