Local Marketing Expo is not solely about Hampton Roads’ marketing. LMX is focusing on ‘your’ local market wherever you generate business. LMX 2010 is utilizing local marketing experts and local companies that have thrived in this challenging economy.

One of our partners, Retail Alliance, is actively working to promote a “buy local” campaign. You are probably aware of the fact that small businesses employ just over half of the country’s private sector workforce. Such enterprises also represent 97.3% of all the exporters of goods and 99.7% of all employer firms.

Furthermore, buying locally can help produce more income, jobs, and tax receipts for local communities than dollars spent with big box stores. Local businesses are more likely to utilize local ads, banks and other services. Local businesses donate more money to nonprofits and are more accountable to their local communities. Supporting local businesses can preserve the economic diversity of our communities and the unique character of our neighborhoods. And, supporting local businesses can be good for the environment because it can cut down on fuel consumption. Buying locally produced goods can reduce the need to ship goods from thousands of miles away and can also cut down on the distances shoppers travel.

There is a new opportunity to promote buying locally in Virginia. Senator Yvonne Miller is sponsoring legislation that will create a “buy local” specialty Virginia license plate. In order to secure the plate, Retail Alliance must submit 350 pre-paid applications. Upon presentation of the applications to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, delivery of the plates should be no later than October 1, 2010. If fewer than 350 applications are collected by July 1, 2010, all funds will be returned by July 10, 2010. For more information on a “buy local” license plate, contact Retail Alliance.

Visit the Retail Alliance booth at Local Marketing Expo, September 29. Stop by and learn more about “buying local” and local business!