When consumers shop locally, it benefits more than just small business owners, according to a proponent of The 3/50 Project.

“It means better schools, better streets, better sidewalks, and better fire and police departments,” Linda Crow said last week to members of the Springville Chamber of Commerce.  “People don’t think about that sort of thing.”

Crow, the owner of specialty store La Ti Da in Pell City, has in recent weeks spearheaded The 3/50 Project, which asks consumers to identify and support their three favorite local businesses and pledge to spend at least $50 per month with local retailers and service providers.  

Springville chamber members said that the city has had difficulty sustaining small businesses, particularly retailers, during the past few years.  It was suggested that one reason is that local residents who commute to work in Birmingham shop with larger chain retailers there because of convenience.

“What this is about is changing consumers’ mindsets,” Crow said.  “It is not against larger chain retailers, but it is a grassroots effort to save the brick and mortar this country was built on.”

For more information about the project, which was founded in Minneapolis, MN, by retailer Carla Baxter, visit www.the350project.net.