1. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S LOCAL PURCHASING CHALLENGE

2. Who We Are …
Chad Hoffman CEO, Rogards Chair, B2B Taskforce at the Chamber
Laura Weis
President/CEO, Champaign County Chamber of Commerce

3. Why Communities PROMOTE “Shop Local”
Successful businesses contribute to the tax base, meet consumer demand, and add vibrancy to a community. Shopping Local contributes to the economic health of the community.

4. Buying Local – Consumer Level
Dining Out
Shop Local Saturday
Holiday Season Focus

5. Consumer Impact
If each family in Champaign County spent just $5 more a month or $60 per year with a locally-owned independent business, over $3.5 million would be returned to the area.
But what about the bigger opportunity?

6. Business to Business (B2B) Why?
Very simply, the Chamber is in business for business. This is an opportunity to create economic impact, strengthen business relationships and to serve our members. Local business to business spending is a message that is under promoted in the community.

7. How the B2B Campaign Started
Utilized membership numbers to make assumptions
B2B purchasing works - it benefits the community
Assumptions are small, impact is not

8. What Are We Asking: Micro-Purchasing
Ideal for these efforts
Can occur without a competitive bid process which can slow or hinder B2B purchasing efforts
Want a program that was easy to understand, easy to implement and easy to track

9. LOCAL PURCHASING CHALLENGE
Throughout the 2016 fiscal year (July, – June 30, 2016) 15 Chamber member businesses reallocated $112,128 to vendors inside Champaign County
Not spending more, simply reallocating current purchasing dollars
Imagine what 50 businesses could do?

10. $112,128 2016 Fiscal Year Final Total
That’s 3,203 general admission seats to an Illini Football Game.
It’s 23,705 family sized boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
That is just under five new (2017) Ford Escapes.
This could be three or four professional entry level jobs.
It could pay the average rent in CU for 142 months.

11. $72,500 2017 Fiscal Year Pledges to Date
19 Chamber members have already pledge to reallocate
$72,500

12. Benefits of the Local Purchasing Challenge
Funds returned to the community
Local businesses employ local people
Personal service
Industry experience
Care about your success
A more profitable tomorrow

13. ARE YOU
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?