We can also be found on the web at www.LocallyOwnedTallahassee.com.
Tallahassee Democrat Article published Mar 20, 2007
What do New Leaf Market, Eppes Decorating, Native Nurseries, International House of Food, The Wilderness Way, Really Knit Stuff, Black Dog Cafe, Polka Dot Shoes, Home Brew Den, and the Tallahassee Film Society all have in common? They are all unique businesses and organizations in Tallahassee. They all take pride in making Tallahassee a more interesting, unique and supportive community and they are all members of Locally Owned Tallahassee.
With more than 100 current members, Locally Owned Tallahassee is building a network of locally owned independent businesses and representatives of local community organizations. This alliance of independent locally owned businesses and community organizations was formed to create a web of support, helping to preserve the uniqueness, diversity, choices and health of our community.
Locally Owned Tallahassee began organizing in 1998. Faced with the influx of an increasing number of large corporate concept stores, restaurants and services, the local business community began to look for ways to survive in a world where “progress” is sometimes measured by access to formulaic chain businesses. The dilemma facing the local business owner was how to maintain the interest of the community and how to survive in a field of large corporations who have far greater resources. The dilemma facing community organizations was how to efficiently tap into the independent business community, which has a long tradition of supporting the services that keep our community vibrant and healthy. It is a natural alliance. Commitment to community is a value shared by Locally Owned Tallahassee business members. After all, our business owners live and work in Tallahassee. They are your neighbors . . . not an anonymous corporate office in a distant city.
Locally Owned Tallahassee also works to educate the Tallahassee community about the value of a strong local economy. When compared to their chain competitors, local businesses have a more sustainable impact on the local economy. Their tax dollars and profits are recycled back into the community. Locally owned businesses add to the economy by hiring local people and offering quality jobs. They build relationships and employ the services of local artists, musicians, accountants, merchants, graphic designers, printers, painters, contractors and craftspeople. Creativity, ingenuity and local production are supported. The economic fiber is strengthened by local businesses.
Locally Owned Tallahassee has been the sponsor of the “Feed the Community” Festival at Lake Ella, where local businesses and community organizations pool their efforts to raise food and money for Second Harvest of the Big Bend. This November we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event. Date TBA.
It is a wonderful opportunity to meet business members, enjoy a day of great food and music and share your good will and resources by donating canned food to the Second Harvest Food Bank.
Locally Owned Tallahassee members have produced a booklet guide to independent businesses and community organizations, which is available at member businesses as well as the Tallahassee Area Visitors and Convention Bureau's downtown office and airport kiosk.
We can also be found on the web at www.LocallyOwnedTallahassee.com.