Portland Local Banking Initiative

Keep the Green in Portland!

More deposits in local banks and credit unions means:

• more money available for credit to local businesses which leads to job creation, job retention, and business development
• increased building of local infrastructure through development of commercial and residential properties including affordable housing
• more loans available for personal and family needs      

We are launching this Local Banking Initiative in order to keep more money in the local economy and urge businesses and consumers to think about the connection between where they live, eat and work and where they invest their hard earned money.  If you would like to volunteer or get more information, please contact Robyn at 503 232-2943.

Campaign Goals:

1. Demystify the local economic system for consumers and local businesses
2. Empower individuals and businesses with information to make the best choices to keep money recirculating in the local economy, working for the community's best interests not absentee investor's profits.
3. Increase deposits in local banks and credit unions to free up capital for small business loans, development of affordable housing and job creation

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Economic Impact Studies Proving that Choosing Locally Owned Businesses Makes a REAL Difference.

Key findings of several studies that measure the impact of buying local; the impact of Big Box stores, the importance of retail diversity and much more!

Sustainable Business Practices

A sustainable company integrates and balances economic growth, social equity and environmental impact into how it does business. This three part approach is often referred to as the as the “triple bottom line.”  Whether yours is a small, medium or large business, integrating your business practices to work in harmony with - and not against - sound environmental management practices allows you to reduce operational costs, gain a competitive advantage and maintain loyal customers and employees.

SBNP is committed to developing ways of sharing best practices in this area among our members as well as educating the public and businesses at large about the benefits of implementing sustainable business practices. Here are 6 easy steps to becoming a more sustainable business.

The Oregon Environmental Council has done some excellent work compiling links to websites offering sustainable business practice options. Please visit their site and get detailed information on recycling at work; employee commuter options, sco-friendly options in the workplace; energy saving tips, greening your fleet and much more.

National Survey Finds Support for "Buy Local" Boosted Holiday Spending at Independent Stores

As major chains report weak holiday sales, a nationwide survey of 1,382 independent retailers has found that a desire to support locally owned businesses is emerging as a factor in people's shopping choices.  The survey, which included retailers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., found that, even in a difficult economic climate, many independent retailers are holding their own and even seeing sales gains by emphasizing their local ownership and community roots.

Retailers in cities with active "Buy Local" campaigns reported much larger increases in holiday sales on average than those in cities without such campaigns. "Buy Local" campaigns have been launched by local business alliances in more than three dozen communities. Independent retailers in these cities reported an average gain in sales of about 2% over the 2006 holiday season, while those in cities without "Buy Local" campaigns saw an increase of less than 0.5%. Read full press release.

Conference Materials from SBNP March 2007 Conference: Creating a Sustainable Local Economy

Breakout Session - Utilizing the Local First Brand: Creative and Cost-Effective Marketing for Your Locally Owned Business Handouts

The Earth Charter
... is a declaration of fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society for the 21st century. Created by the largest global consultation process ever associated with an international declaration, endorsed by thousands of organizations representing millions of individuals, the Earth Charter seeks to inspire in all peoples a sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The Earth Charter is an expression of hope and a call to help create a global partnership at a critical juncture in history.