Governor Napolitano Declares “Independents Week”

Local First Arizona Celebrates Annual Salute to Independent Business with Golden Ticket, “Go Local” Pledge

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Governor Janet Napolitano has proclaimed June 30-July 6 to be “Independents Week” for Arizona. The proclamation coincides with Local First Arizona’s annual celebration of the independently owned, local businesses that are the backbone of a strong economy.

“Small businesses are critical to Arizona’s economy, comprising more than 90 percent of the businesses in our state,” the Governor explained in a statement. “Whether they cater to neighborhoods, specialty services or other consumer needs, it is clear that these operations serve a vital role in the state’s and local communities’ success. That is why I proclaimed June 30-July 6 as ‘Independents Week’ – recognizing the considerable contributions small businesses make to the state.”

Local First Arizona, a coalition of more than 1,300 Arizona-based companies, will celebrate Independents Week by helping consumers sample the diverse and rich offering of their members. The Golden Ticket will provide 20 percent off purchases at close to 50 local businesses, ranging from Wist Office Products to Armoire Home to Uncorked Wine Bar and more.

“Locally owned businesses return more of their resources to our community – through jobs, wages, support for nonprofits and much, much more,” explained Local First executive director Kimber Lanning. “Independents give us the unique shopping and dining opportunities that make Arizona different from any place else on earth. They are the Arizona-proud architects, engineers, and insurance providers who are your friends and neighbors. We are thrilled that the governor has chosen to recognize them and we look forward to helping all Arizonans declare their love for Independents.”

The Golden Ticket will be available for free download at www.localfirstaz.com, where visitors can find a complete list of participating Golden Ticket businesses and where they can use the handy search engine to find local solutions in a variety of categories.

Local First is also encouraging Arizonans to “Take the Pledge to Go Local” during Independents Week, asking consumers to patronize independent businesses exclusively from June 30-July 6. Already, more than 100 consumers have taken the pledge. In addition, Arizona celebrities like rocker Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World and leaders like Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon have listed their favorite local businesses on the site to give fun recommendations to the “Go Local” pledgers.

Consumers are encouraged to look for the round, black-and-red Local First window sticker so they can be sure they’re shopping at an independent business, during Independents Week.

More information is available at www.localfirstaz.com.

About Local First Arizona
Local First Arizona is a coalition of more than 1,300 independently owned, Arizona-based businesses whose mission is to educate the public about the importance of shopping locally. It is one of the nation’s leaders in a growing grassroots movement.

Founded in 2003, Local First Arizona highlights the economic, environmental and cultural benefits of shopping locally. Three times the revenue recirculates within the community when a citizen buys local, rather than at a chain, creating a significant economic impact. On an environmental level, shopping locally reduces the transit distances for goods, lessening the dependence on fossil fuels and local businesses are more likely to practice adaptive reuse of existing structures to reduce sprawl. Finally, the cultural benefits of shopping locally derive from nurturing homegrown entrepreneurs and preserving the “mom and pop” businesses that make Arizona unique.