Capital Area Local First is committed to our community and being involved. We aim to reach out to those within our community and educate them on the importance of keeping local first. CALF is made up of four different committees that members can join to be an active part in the community as well as the organization.

Why "think local first"?

• Significantly More Money Circulates in the Region (see graphic above)
  When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the regional tax base.
  
  
• Unique Businesses Are Essential To Our Local Character
  The unique character of our community is what brought us here and will keep us here. Tourism businesses also benefit.
  
  
• Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses
  Small local businesses employ the most people nationally.
  
  
• Customer Service Is Better
  Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise and they invest in their employees for better customer service.
  
  
• Local Owners Invest In Community
  Local businesses are owned by people who live in the community and are less likely to leave, and more invested in the community's future.
  
  
• Local Investment Is Encouraged
  A growing body of research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their distinctive character.

To learn more about with CALF is doing, be sure and sign up for our free newsletter (the form on the upper left of this page.)