Lynda Schauf is leading the movement to encourage shoppers tokeep their money at home.
In September, Schauf, owner of Laura's Travel Service inRedlands, joined with Hatfield Buick owner Bill Hatfield to createthe Redlands Independent Business Owners, which has since beenstressing the benefits of patronizing small, locally-ownedbusinesses.
The group, along with the Chamber of Commerce and the city ofRedlands has been promoting the 3/50 Project in Redlands, which askspeople to spend $50 a month at three locally-owned businesses not tosupport those businesses and the local economy.
Wednesday, the founder of the 3/50 Project, Cinda Baxter, willcome to Redlands to speak about the project.
Schauf first heard about the project over the internet and themessage of local support being integral to the survival of smallbusinesses hit home. She said she wants people to realize thatdollars spent in Redlands stay in Redlands.
According to a 2008 Civic Economics study cited by the project,roughly $68 from every $100 spent at a locally-owned business goesback into the local community. Only $43 from every $100 spent at achain store gets filtered back into the local economy. The return is$0 on online purchases.
Not only does the community benefit from the tax revenue, butsupporting local businesses provides employment opportunities,Schauf said. Local businesses also support nonprofits in thecommunity.
Schauf is also a member of the Rotary Club of Redlands and serveson the Redlands Symphony Board.
In the past, she served with the Redlands YWCA, YMCA of the EastValley, Redlands Community Hospital Foundation Board, Montessori inRedlands Board, Business Improvement District Board, RedlandsChamber of Commerce Board, and the Redlands Bicycle Classic.
How did you get involved?
I read about the project in an e-mail communication. I had heardabout it a couple of years ago, but when I learned about it thistime I was keenly aware that many of the businesses in our communitywho were struggling and had the fear that if we did not make theresidents aware of what they could do to help, the business theyenjoyed patronizing could disappear.
What is the mission of your work?
I am concerned most people who do not operate a business thinkabout how important it is to support local businesses and have anunderstanding of how tax dollars are generated coupled with theemployment opportunities that keep our community the type of placewe in which we wish to live.
It is important to remember the contributions from localbusinesses also provide the financial support the nonprofitorganizations in Redlands need to continue to operate and supportthe good work they do.
How is that mission carried out?
A group of local business owners gathered together to discussthese same concerns and concluded the message was important. Theythen tried to determine to whom and how this message needed to becommunicated.
It was decided the city of Redlands, as well as other employersin the area, needed to remind their employees of the importance ofsupporting locally owned businesses. The Redlands Daily Facts wasthen asked to help communicate the message through the paper andthey agreed to print posters that would be distributed around townto remind people of the project.
The Chamber of Commerce then offered their support and thefounder of the 3/50 Project, Cinda Baxter, was invited to come toRedlands to educate about the philosophy and assist business ownersand community leaders of how to reach out and spread the message.This will happen on March 2.
Is that mission successful?
Cinda Baxter is coming to town. Through various newspaperarticles, posters, communication on Facebook, Chamber of Commercecommunications and personal contact and communication to thecitizens seem to be aware of the project.
What are the challenges?
The challenge will be to keep this message in the forefront ofpeople's minds. To continue to educate and remind business ownersand especially citizens they can make a difference in the appearanceand financial well-being of our city by spending at least $50 inthree locally owned businesses every month or more frequently ifpossible.
What is in your future?
Continue to engage more and more business people in communicatingthis message by placing posters in their businesses and utilizingflyers in bags or letter communications they give to their customersand clients. This is a positive movement that can do nothing butimprove the financial picture and community spirit we all want forRedlands.
If you had a magic wand, what would you make happen?
I would encourage everyone to spend their dollars locally as muchas possible.
The big box stores, chain businesses and internet purchasescannot make the same positive impact that locally owned businessescan make on our community. Especially internet purchases, theycontribute nothing to creating jobs, improving our tax base orsupporting our nonprofit organizations.
3/50 Project founder
Cinda Baxter
in Redlands:
When: 9 a.m. Wednesday
Where: Krikorian Premiere Theatres, 340 N. Eureka St., Redlands
Price: No charge, reservations required
Contact: Redlands Chamber of Commerce, 909-793-2546
For information about Redlands Independent Business Owners, callLynda Schauf at Laura's Travel, 909-793-7551
E-mail Staff Writer Chantal M. Lovell atclovell@redlandsdailyfacts.com s"
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