We’re all about community

Developed in 2008 through an effort put forth by the MEDAL program of Umpqua Community Development Corporation, Think Local Umpqua has grown through an swell of grassroots energy and passion.

We are a group of farmers, entrepreneurs, educators, business people, public officials and consumers who are dedicated to fostering a vibrant, self reliant community in the Umpqua valley by encouraging people to Think Local First when selecting goods and services.

Think Local Umpqua is an Independent Business Alliance, and an affiliate of the American Independent Business Alliance.

Who We Represent

Our membership consists of local, independently owned businesses, farms, entrepreneurs, and community supporters.  

Our Goals

Educate the community on the positive economic, social, and environmental impacts of Thinking Local and supporting local independent business. 
 
Increase patronage of local independent businesses and products.
 
Provide educational opportunities for local businesses and community members.
 
Create a mutually supportive, comprehensive network of public and private, community members who will:   
Share knowledge   
Build networks    
Collaborate on marketing and more

What is a local, independently owned business?

The criteria for membership in Think Local Umpqua and the Local Pages are:

• Private ownership (e.g. not publically traded or part of a national franchise)
• Owned in majority by area resident(s) (within Douglas County)
• Full decision-making function for the business lies with its owner(s) (e.g. purchasing, advertising, personnel, pricing)
• No more than 8 outlets; headquartered in Douglas County.

Listen to the Think Local Public Service Announcement below.

2009 Accomplishments

• Workshops (examples)
  - Bruce Baker expert training in merchandising and sales
  - Costing your product
  - Energy tax credits for your business
  - The ABCs of CSAs
  - Using ‘Think Local’ messaging in your advertising
  - Facebook for your business
  
  
• 3 benefit concerts
  
  
• Food Inc. Screening
  
  
• Independents Week
  - Celebrate our Independents Dinner
  - 'Meat and Greet’ Local Pages Launch
  
  
• 3 farm tours
  - Sterken Farm
  - Big Lick Farm
  - Phoenix School
  
  
• Discounted Advertising
  - $20 ads in the News Review
  - 47% discount on commercials with Brooke Communications
  - Great commercial packages with KEZI
  - 20% off all ads with Douglas County News
  
  
• Public Education
  - 3 months of PSAs on Brookes Communications
  - 3 presentations to local community groups
  - 3 editorials in the news review
  - 3 appearances on local radio
  - 4 feature articles in the News Review
  - ‘Duck Race’ children’s tasting tent
  - Local Gourmet guide
  
  
• Holiday Marketing ‘Blitz’
  - Sponsor of holiday promotion with Brookes communication – local giveaway
  - 500 mentions
  - Additional ‘snowflake’ PSAs
  - 3 custom ads in News Review special inserts
  - Holiday ad in the Douglas County News
  - ‘Holiday Greeting’ on KPIC featuring TLU members
  
  
• Marketing Materials
  - Customized marketing materials to thank your customers for ‘Thinking Local’
  - Window clings for your business and customers
  
  
• The Local Pages
  - 10,000 published
  - Over 300 businesses participated