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Think Boise First
01/19/2012

Idaho Indie Works is now a proud member of Think Boise First, a group of business owners and individuals working together to promote the local economy. According to their website, here are the top ten reason to shop locally:

BUY LOCAL, SUPPORT YOURSELF

Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, a significantly greater portion of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms - continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS

Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from local business owners than they do from large businesses.

KEEP OUR COMMUNITY UNIQUE

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun - all of it makes our community home and one-of-a -kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Boise.

REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe contributing to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

CREATE GOOD JOBS

Small local businesses are collectively the largest employer nationally and therefore provide the most jobs to residents in communities.

GET BETTER SERVICE

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.

INVEST IN COMMUNITY

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, are more invested in the community's future.

PUT YOUR TAXES TO GOOD USE

Local businesses in community centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.

BUY WHAT YOU WANT (NOT WHAT SOMEONE ELSE WANTS YOU TO BUY)

A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long term.

ENCOURAGE LOCAL PROSPERITY

A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

So, the next time you need to find a unique gift or want to eat out, think of visiting locally owned businesses.

Cher Wisdom Freer. Keep reading to find out how you can get the chance to win this:

Artist Bio: I am a native Idahoan who's work requires me to travel to all kinds of interesting locations. One day (4 years ago) I wandered into a bead shop on the banks of a gorgeous canal in Pittsford, New York and that was the beginning of my beading/jewelry obsession. From that day on I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to hunt for unique items in all the charming cities I visit. I just think it's so cool to take a piece of stone or glass and incorporate it into something that expresses one's personality. And I'm easily distracted by shiny objects!

Why I'm a member of IIW: I stumbled across the Idaho Indie Works team at the Hyde Park Street Fair last year and was absolutely amazed to discover that such a talented group of local artists, selling their goods on Etsy, even existed. I was even more honored that they would allow me to join their amazing team. I am new to selling at craft shows and this group is so supportive and full of creative ideas. I'm in awe every time I am around these folks.

About the piece: Abalone Sterling Silver wrapped ring size 7. A green abalone stone is surrounded by purple and green Swarovski crystals wrapped with Sterling Silver wire.

The Rules of the Give-Away:

1. Please visit Cher Wisdom Freer's Etsy shop and have a look around then leave us a comment on which of Cher's items you like the best and why. Please make sure to include your E-mail or Etsy shop name so we know how to get in touch with you.

2. The give-away will end May 24th and the winner announced shortly after.

3. Only one entry per person, please.

Check it out here!

here to read the story. Then click on the Video tab to see the piece that aired on the Channel 2 News last night.

A big thanks goes out to Jamison who, not only did a great job representing us, but did it on very short notice.

Miss Courageous

Cher Wisdom Freer

Mockingbird Clothing

Beach Chicken

Bella Grano

Rock in a Heart Place

Kenilworth Designs

Dragonfly Stitches

Sly Raccoon

Boise Beanie Co

Ravishing Jane

Junk Yard Doll

Sinfully Natural

Innovative Design

Hen and Chick

Knit Girl

Blissful Beadings

Design Bandits

Soap on a Whim

Girl A Go-Go Designs

Redux

LuLu & ChaCha

Hattie Jane

Talullah Soaps

Check out some of the press we've been getting lately from Treasured Valley, KBOI Channel 2, the Boise Weekly, and the Idaho Statesman.

Information for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Homes - Schools - Census Data - Jobs - Maps

Latitude: 47.692845 -- Longitude: -116.77991

Enter our Photo Sweepstakes and Win $200 for your Coeur d'Alene photos!

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Think Boise First
01/19/2012

Information for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Homes - Schools - Census Data - Jobs - Maps

Latitude: 47.692845 -- Longitude: -116.77991

Enter our Photo Sweepstakes and Win $200 for your Coeur d'Alene photos!

ASKME a Question About Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Census Data for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Cities

Check out what's happening in the NewQuestCity Forums for Idaho .

Think Boise First 01/19/2012

Think Boise First
01/19/2012