buy local week

As we wrap up 2011, we're reflecting on one of the biggest Buy Local Week campaigns we've seen yet. The "Buy Local" message really permeated the air this holiday season, and we're thrilled to have started such a movement towards local businesses.

The Mile High Business Alliance was founded on the idea that local businesses are the key to a healthy local economy. Therefore, we like showing people the impact that can be made with even just a small shift to buying local during the holidays, and all year round. 

While Buy Local Week is over, there are still many ways you can find and supportlocally owned businesses during the holidays. 

This year, MHBA has launched our first "Buy Local Bingo," where you can win great prizes by shopping at local businesses. 

The rules and an entry card are on the Colorado Local First site, but we wanted to underscore a few cool things: 

Experience Local Flavor:

Visit Broadway!

Bars, clubs, boutiques and more! Broadway south of downtown has it all: from grocery to motels to restaurants to pawn shops! Bustling Broadway is a one-way street running Southward. It's North-bound counterpart is Lincoln one block to the East. This region is covered by THREE Local Flavor Guides: South Broadway, Antique Row, and The Golden Triangle (Released TODAY!!)

Experience Local Flavor:

Visit Cherry Creek North!

This charming neighborhood has everything you need to help you glide through the holidays in style. “The New North” is home to hundreds of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, spas and more. Did you know that 75% of CCN's nearly 400 businesses are locally-owned and operated?

Make a purchase at any independent retailer in this neighborhood to get credit on your BINGO card.

Between 1st and 3rd, University to Steele. (Merchant District Spotlight + map)

Going Local is Easy on Cyber Monday!

Happy Buy Local Week! We hope that you've been having a blast supporting your community. We wanted to take today to discuss Cyber Monday. Did you know that there are countless ways to still positively impact your local economy, even when it comes to shopping online? Here are some great tips:

• Some online companies are based locally.
• Many of your favorite retailers also have online stores.
• Search larger sites for local retailers. For example, you can find local merchants on amazon.com. Etsy has a local search feature as well.

The following are local companies that have a web presence. And don't forget that purchases made with these businesses are eligible for Buy Local Bingo! So buy locally (even online!) and get the chance to win big prizes. Happy online shopping!

Experience Local Flavor:

Visit Highlands Square!

Shop the independent boutiques and restaurants of 32nd Avenue, in historic Highlands Square in northwest
Denver. You’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Make a purchase at any independent retailer in this neighborhood to get credit on your BINGO card.

32nd Ave., from Julian to Perry (Merchant District Spotlight + more info)

Today marks the beginning of Buy Local Week. We at the Mile High Business Alliance are in our fourth year leading a local campaign covering the greater Denver area.

This year is most certainly our biggest yet. We've printed 20,000 Shopping Guides, launched a participation-oriented Buy Local Bingo game and are ramping up for a great event on December 3rd. We have had the pleasure of being featured in quite a few media outlets (Did you hear Mickki on 850 KOA on Monday?), have ads on the 16th Street MallRide and put up a billboard saying "Want a better economy? Buy Local First." Even more so, we are honored to have BALLE, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, using our logo for Buy Local Week!

Throughout the holiday shopping season, we hope that you will be joining in patronizing local businesses. Every dollar we spend is an investment in something, and when we choose local companies, products or charities first, we're helping to build a better economy and a place we love to live.

In Community,
The Mile High Business Alliance

LoDo Grand Illumination

LoDo's AGlow Opening Night

Sarah and Malia from the MHBA will have a table in Union Station to distribute Buy Local Week materials -including the hot off the press Buy Local Week Shopping Guide!

Please drop by and say hi as we kick off our largest campaign of the year.

"Langston is just as pleased as punch about this brand new shiny billboard proclaiming "Want a better economy? Buy Local First" as it overlooks the intersection of Franklin Street and Colfax and Park avenues."

-Susan Froyd, The Westword (online)