The 3/50 Project

On March 11, 2009, Cinda Baxter posted a blog entry (http://alwaysupward.com/blog/save-the-economy-three-stores-at-a-time/) about our economic situation. Little did she know that her post would blossom into a movement designed to stimulate local economies, better known as the 3/50 Project. You may have seen the 3/50 Project mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, Fox Business News, CNN, Forbes, Consumer Reports, Better Homes and Gardens, or even the Discovery Channel. Baxter, a Retail Consultant and professional speaker, was prompted to write her blog after viewing a number of media programs, including the Oprah Show (which actually urged viewers to stop spending money in order to get through tough times), the Today Show, Meet the Press, and CBS News (reported that “Consumer spending drives 70% of the economy. When consumers put their wallets away, the economy has trouble making a U-turn,”). The overall message of the 3/50 Project grew out of this motivation and is simple... We all have the power to assist in the salvation of our local economy during these tight times.

These are the project's rules as noted by Cinda:
- Choose three independently owned businesses that you would miss if they went out of business.
- Spend $50 per month at each of these stores.

That's it! It's that simple. Cinda notes that, "If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue."

It really does make a difference. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If $100 is spent in a national chain, only $43 stays here. If $100 is spent online, nothing stays here.

Here are two commonly asked questions:
"-Does the 50 in 3/50 mean as a consumer I need to spend $150 total each month?
No...well, not unless you want to (which would undoubtedly be fine with independent business owners). The idea is to commit $50 each month to locally owned businesses, total. Maybe that means rethinking where you currently invest your money, opting to pick up that birthday card or pair of jeans in a locally owned business instead of the big box you’ve been going to. Or maybe it means eating out once a month because you realize slamming the brakes on all spending stalls economic recovery. It's just that simple.
-Are you asking me to completely swear off chains, and franchises?
The 3/50 Project isn’t an “all or nothing” campaign that insists consumers stop shopping in chains or franchises. Instead, our message is about balance-—of the money you currently spend each month, we simply ask you to redirect an affordable $50 back to the locally owned independent businesses that have been forgotten of late. Just as there are things in a locally owned store that you can’t find in a big box, there are also things in a big box you can’t find in a locally owned store. We simply need to think about where our dollars are best invested, consider the greater amount of revenue local businesses return to the community, then purchase accordingly. Otherwise, local economies suffer irreparable harm."
as written on the 3/50 Project website, www.the350project.net

Can you imagine the impact that this could have on our area alone? We fully support the ideals behind this project, and we would love to see more individuals take part in this worthwhile movement. Here are a few of our favorite independently owned businesses:

Alfonzo's Pizza, Maryville

Art Glass Studio, Belleville

Beltline Chiropractic, Collinsville

Bert's Chuckwagon, Collinsville and Fairview Heights
http://www.chuckwagonfvh.com/

Baxter's, Fairview Heights
http://www.myspace.com/baxtersfun

Bobby's Frozen Custard, Maryville
http://www.bobbysfrozencustard.com/

Crystal & Spice Shoppe, Belleville
http://www.crystalandspice.com/

Carrisillo's Restaurant, Collinsville
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&gid=171613203785

Cost Less Copy Center, Collinsville

Dandy Inn, Fairview Heights
http://www.dandyinn.com/

Dr. Jazz, Lebanon
http://www.drjazzsodafountain.com/

Fournie Farms, Collinsville

Effinger's Nursery, Belleville
http://www.effingergarden.com/

Heart to Sole, Fairview Heights

Las Parrillas Restaurant, O'Fallon

Mud Hut Ceramics, Belleville

Olde World Jeweler's, Fairview Heights

Ravanelli's Restaurant, Collinsville and Granite City
http://www.ravanellisrestaurants.com/

Trenton House, Trenton
http://trentonhouserestaurant.com/

West End Hair Salon, Belleville


What are some of yours? Please let us know!

Spread the word among your friends. Let's see what happens!

Full details can be found at www.the350project.net