New York Times: "A Canadian ‘Buy Local’ Effort Fights Amazon on Its Own Turf"

 

"The snow was falling outside Ali Haberstroh’s apartment in late November when the idea came to her. 

At the time, Canada was nearing a second lockdown to curb rising coronavirus cases. In anticipation, the owner of a vintage clothing store in Toronto who is a friend of Ms. Haberstroh’s had put together a list of other local vintage shops offering curbside pickup and deliveries in lieu of being able to open their doors. 

“It was a wake-up call,” Ms. Haberstroh, 27, said of the list, which reminded her how enormous retailers like Walmart, Costco and Amazon had thrived during the pandemic while many smaller, local businesses had been shut. “I thought if there is one tiny thing I can do to help, then I should get on it.” 

Inspired to build a more comprehensive list, Ms. Haberstroh promptly created an Instagram post, tagging independent businesses and shopkeepers across Toronto. Included was a new website, Not-Amazon.ca — a URL that she had bought for $2.99."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/02/business/not-amazon-canada.html

The Franklin Downtown Partnership has a similar listing of local Franklin businesses  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/shop-dine-more.html

The United Regional Chamber of Commerce has two Facebook pages, one for restaurants and one for other businesses

• Restaurants = “Rally ‘round the Restaurants” page on Facebook and share your update for a restaurant https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Rally-round-the-Restaurants-109228560731634

• Businesses = "United Regional's Back to Business" page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/United-Regionals-Back-to-Business-106228444403838

Of course, consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping

https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

consider using a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card for your local shopping

FM #425 Fresh Start Market - 12/16/20 (audio)

FM #425 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 425 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Fresh Start Market co-owner Bonnie Corso. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the social distancing requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about how Bonnie and her husband Mark have spent many years developing the market which will open in the near future here in Franklin. They will be located in the Liquor World Plaza, in the space where the Shiva Market had been.

We talk about the timeline how they came to bring this to reality. How they used the Market Study developed by MAPC for Franklin to confirm three was an opportunity here. 

By way of disclosure: I did purchase a brick on their wall to help share the Franklin Matters Name. I did also contribute as an investor in their venture. We talk about this and how they will be part of the community in bringing a ‘farm to table’ approach to grab and go meals.

While I do believe in what they are doing, this radio program is part of my overall effort to share newsworthy goodness in Franklin. This happens to be a very good example of the stories I think are newsworthy.

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H13TRRHS

 
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Follow Fresh Start Market on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FreshStartMkt/ 
On Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/fresh_start.market/ 
Their investment opportunity page on MainVest  https://mainvest.com/b/fresh-start-market-franklin 
`
EDC Meeting with the MAPC Market Study presented and discussed
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-73030-audio.html

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session. Here is a cropped photo of Finian shared on the Fresh Start Market Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/p/CJIEFN7gQ29/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Finian, their pet parrot, provided some background commentary during our remote recording session

United Regional Chamber issues the $50 Challenge

"I'm Issuing a $50 Dollar Challenge" A Message from Our CEO/President Jack Lank  Typically, right about now we'd be singing about "the most wonderful time of the year". It's an understatement to say that 2020 has had other plans. If you've replaced wonderful with some other choice words, I promise, you're not alone. I always ask small business owners, "What keeps you up at night?" In the past, they responded that prime concerns are regulations or the ability to retain quality employees. This year, the most common response has been, "How is my business going to survive?" The corona virus has significantly hit our communities' economy.

 

Jack Lank How can the chamber help? The chamber supports local business by advocating on their behalf and communicating their needs to elected officials. We work with local partners to provide a prepared workforce so that our member businesses have access to qualified employees. We hunt down resources designed to help them succeed in entrepreneurial ventures. We create networking opportunities and facilitate connections. THIS year, especially, shopping local is what's going to keep small businesses ALIVE. The truth is we can shop and remain safe. Shopping looks different this year, but most small businesses are still open for business. We can shop safely (masks ON please), support our community, and make a significant difference in our friends' and neighbors' lives. This isn't about politics or your opinion on wearing a mask. This is about preserving what makes our communities special before it's too late. One study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the community. However, only $43 of $100 spent at a chain retailer remains in the community. I'll be the first to admit that I shop at the big chain retailers. Many of these businesses employ our friends and neighbors, and they're a vital part of our community. However, let's not forget the local businesses – the ones that support our children's baseball team or theater program, volunteer their time, and give to the non-profits in our community. According to the small business support organization Independent We Stand, "If every family in the country shifted $10 a month to locally owned, independent businesses instead of national chains, over $9.3 billion would be directly returned to local economies." I have a challenge for you: Shift $50 of your holiday budget this month to a locally owned, independent business. If you don't have $50, shift $25. If you don't feel comfortable going inside, every shop will walk products or gift cards out to your car if you'll only ask. Post this challenge on social media with the hashtags #50 DollarChallenge, #URCC, and #Supportsmallbusiness. Check in and tag businesses on social media and post pictures to show your support. Together we can do this. This time next year, no matter where COVID takes us, we'll all be better for it.

Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone:  508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know" 

FAQs for #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards

It's been two weeks since our #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards launched and we are so happy with the amazing response!  

We wanted to share a few frequently asked questions with the community: 

1. Cards can be purchased for ANY denomination if they are bought at Dean Bank. Cards purchased online at www.franklingiftcard.com have a $25 minimum, due to processing fees.  
2. Cards can be purchased with cash only at Dean Bank, and with credit/debit cards online.
3. This program is not only running during the holiday season! It is our hope that these cards become part of the Franklin shop local mentality. The cards do not have an expiration date.
4. The list of participating businesses will continue to evolve.  Check the website for the most current list.
5. The businesses listed have agreed to accept and honor the cards at their locations, although you may not be able to add a tip on the cards. Please be prepared for that 🙂 
6. A printable list of Participating Businesses is now available on our website here https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses
7. And finally, this is purely an Economic Development initiative! Businesses are 100% reimbursed for any cards redeemed at their location. 

Thank you for your continued support! 

• Dean Bank 
• Random Smile Project

Shared from the Town of Franklin Facebook page => 

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTownofFranklin/posts/418016829565425

FAQs for #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards

Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale

"Today is the day! Think Franklin First gift cards are now available for purchase both online and at Dean Bank!  

You can redeem the gift cards at the local businesses pictured below beginning next week!  

www.franklingiftcard.com #thinkfranklinfirst #GivetheGiftofFranklin #localsupport #shoplocal #keepitlocal Dean Bank, Random Smile Project"

Buy your gift card online = www.franklingiftcard.com

Or in person at the Dean Bank branch office on Main St, Franklin

Use the gift cards at these participating Franklin businesses =   https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

Shared from Facebook =   https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin/permalink/3334797786630718/

Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

Keep an eye open for the new Keep It Local signs in the windows and on the doors of many Franklin businesses. The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) has been distributing the signs to remind people of the importance of continuing to support our local establishments who have been hit so hard by the pandemic. Residents and businesses are invited to take photos with the signs and post them on Facebook and Instagram. Tag the FDP on those posts and the FDP will share them on its social media.

"We need to keep the focus on our local businesses, not only during the holiday season, but throughout the winter,” said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. “The Partnership reminds members of the community to spend locally whenever possible.“

If you would like to support local Franklin businesses, join the FDP as a resident member for only $25 a year. Visit the FDP website or email downtown.franklin@yahoo.com for more information.

The FDP is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 residents, business owners and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org

 

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

Town of Franklin, MA: Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

"BIG NEWS ALERT! We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of Think Franklin First gift cards!

With the incredible support of Dean Bank & the Random Smile Project, these Franklin-only gift cards will be available for purchase beginning on Wednesday, November 25th.

See more... https://t.co/XQ3RcLIvwj"

"They will be redeemable at a wide variety of local businesses! This economic development initiative is intended to help support our local businesses by directing spending away from competition/online retailers into our local economy, where it makes an important impact"

"especially in these difficult times. Stay tuned for more information as we move towards our official launch date! http://franklingiftcard.com #shoplocal #shoplocalma #ThinkFranklinFirst"

 

Think Franklin First gift cards

Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

Town of Franklin, MA : Reason #6 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

"Reason #6 to #ThinkFranklinFirst is a big one! Taking time to find items you want /need locally, rather than buying them online, is well worth the effort! #KeepItLocal #ShopLocal #LocalEconomy #ItMatters #Franklinma https://t.co/j33MVuCmX6

Town of Franklin, MA :  Reason #6 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

FM #383 #shopFranklin Sarah Mabardy - 11/04/20 (audio)

FM #383 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 383 in the series.

This shares my discussion with #shopFranklin’s organizer Sarah Mabardy. Our discussion was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the start of sharing the conversation Sarah and I have around how to help the small businesses of Franklin. We have some thoughts, you may too. If you have questions, ideas, or suggestions, feel free to reach out to Sarah or myself.

The recording runs just about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sarah   Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-383-shopfranklin-sarah-mabardy-11-04-20

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Facebook page for #shopFranklin: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopFranklin

 

#ThinkFranklinFirst reason referenced about keeping dollars local    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/town-of-franklin-ma-when-you-spend.html  

 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Facebook page for #shopFranklin

Reason#5 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

"Reason#5: Local businesses create local jobs! Consistently supporting small businesses helps them to thrive! As they grow and expand, they often need more help, which means new local employment opportunities!" #ThinkFranklinFirst #ItMatters #KeepItLocal #ShopLocal

 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1323375235622731779

 

Reason#5 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

As part of its Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses campaign, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is distributing these signs to local businesses. Please look for these signs on businesses doors or windows and support our local establishments!

Keep It Local - Support Franklin Businesses

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2020/10/look-for-keep-it-local-signs.html

Note: Franklin Matters/Steve Sherlock is a individual member of the partnership and proud supporter

#ThinkFranklinFirst

Reason #4 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

Reason #4 to #ThinkFranklinFirst: 

Local support! #localeconomy #smallbusiness #shoplocal #keepitlocal #itmatters 

https://t.co/KO3ks83P96

Reason #4 to #ThinkFranklinFirst

Town of Franklin, MA: Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst

Everyone loves a great customer service experience! Local businesses enjoy getting to know you, love sharing their passion for their business & want to do everything possible to make you feel good about choosing to visit their establishment! #ThinkFranklinFirst #KeepItLocal  

 

Town of Franklin, MA:  Reason #3 - #ThinkFranklinFirst

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/GxZ6C3U7NE