A 2002 Economic Impact Analysis in Austin, Texas, was one of the first major studies to examine the impact of shopping at local businesses versus national chains. It found that, for every $100 spent at a local bookstore or CD store, $45 stayed in the local economy. For every $100 spent at Borders, however, the local economic impact was only $13. A study in Maine the following year yielded similar results: Shopping local kept three times more money in the local economy than shopping at chains.

We're not anti-chain. We simply want business owners and community members to recognize and value the way their buying decisions can and do change the shape of your community.

Buying local increases a community's self-reliance and local businesses make Central Texas unique!

• 10 Reasons to Shop Locally

• How much money leaves the state?
• Who are local business owners?