The following summary extract from the 2014 Independent Business Survey summarizes the fundamental reason we exist as an organization: "The Local First movement is influencing buying habits. A large majority of businesses located in cities with an active Local First campaign reported that the initiatives had brought in new customers and/or generated other specific benefits. These businesses experienced revenue growth of 7.0% in 2013, compared to 2.3% for those in places without such an initiative." Published in February 2014 by...

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