Title
Resolution Authorizing a Matching Grant of Up to $6,000 to Triad Local First
Body
Department: Executive / EDBS
Council District: All
Public Hearing: No
Advertising Date/By:
Contact 1 and Phone: Councilmember Matheny, 373-2396
Contact 2 and Phone: Jim Westmoreland, City Manager, 373-2002
PURPOSE:
The City of Greensboro has been asked by the 501(c) (3) business membership organization, Triad Local First, to consider sponsoring the organization's Buy Local Season initiatives with a matching grant of up to $6,000 to promote independent local businesses during Buy Local Season.
BACKGROUND:
Triad Local First would use the requested funds to double its planned promotional activities during Buy Local Season. Many of Triad Local First's members operate with little or no marketing dollars, so the organization targets its Buy Local Season spending on consolidated marketing through production and distribution of local gift guides, and advertising on billboards, social media, print media, and radio. The mission of Triad Local First, a network of locally owned and independent businesses in North Carolina's Triad, is to share a commitment to building a strong local economy and a vibrant, unique community. Established in August 2010, the organization currently has 245 members, one paid part-time staff member, and an all volunteer board. Operations are funded through membership dues and fundraising. The organization hosts regular member meetings, education for the community of the benefits to buying local, and promotes member companies through a variety of mediums including partnerships on events such as "Cash Mobs", The City Market, and Ethnosh Noshups which are gatherings that highlight ethnic food in the Greensboro community. In August 2013, City Council approved a $25,000 grant to the organization for service enhancements that has been utilized thus far on the 2013 local gift guides, the development of a website with mobile capabiliti...
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