[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_color=”#34454e” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” valign_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ first=”true” last=”true” border_position=”all” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”]

WHY BUY LOCAL?

Need a few good reasons to shop local? We’ve got plenty.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” type=”flex”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ align_self=”auto” content_layout=”column” align_content=”flex-start” valign_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ padding_bottom=”0px” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ last=”no” border_position=”all” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_content_boxes layout=”icon-on-top” columns=”3″ heading_size=”2″ iconspin=”no” icon_align=”left” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” circlebordersize=”0″ icon_size=”40″ margin_bottom=”0″][fusion_content_box title=”Keep money in the community.” icon=”fa-money-bill-wave fas” circlecolor=”#eea616″ linktext=”Read More” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ circlebordersize=”0″]

Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses keep dollars local longer, enriching the whole community. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, more than half ($53 to $68) goes back into the community and our tax base. In contrast, for every $100 spent at a chain store, only $14 to $43 is recirculated locally.

[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”Embrace what makes us different” icon=”fa-mountain fas” circlecolor=”#eea616″ linktext=”Read More” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ circlebordersize=”0″]

In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinct character have an economic and quality of life advantage. If we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn’t be living in La Plata County!

[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”Create more good jobs.” icon=”fa-hospital-user fas” circlecolor=”#eea616″ linktext=”Read More” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ circlebordersize=”0″]

Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally, offer greater loyalty to their employees, and often offer better wages and benefits than chain stores do. Many locally owned businesses in La Plata County have committed to paying a Living Wage.

[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”Help out the environment.” icon=”fa-leaf fas” circlecolor=”#eea616″ linktext=”Read More” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ circlebordersize=”0″]

Local stores help to sustain vibrant, compact, and walkable town centers, which in turn are essential to reducing sprawl, automobile use, habitat loss, and air and water pollution. Many local businesses are making extra strides for the environment. Check out a growing list of Durango’s sustainable businesses.

[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”Invest in the community.” icon=”fa-home fas” circlecolor=”#eea616″ linktext=”Read More” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ circlebordersize=”0″]

Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining our historic town centers and linking neighbors. Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are invested in our future, because they directly feel the impact of our decisions.

[/fusion_content_box][fusion_content_box title=”Put your taxes to good use.” icon=”fa-home fas” circlecolor=”#eea616″ linktext=”Read More” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ circlebordersize=”0″]

Local businesses need comparatively less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. Local businesses also contribute to public budget through taxes at a higher rate than national chains.

[/fusion_content_box][/fusion_content_boxes][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ type=”1_2″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ last=”false” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_youtube id=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq13bp6jbWk” alignment=”center” autoplay=”false” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” /][fusion_button link=”https://localfirst.earlymotion.com/join/” target=”_blank” alignment=”center” color=”default” stretch=”default” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” margin_top=”20″ border_radius_top_left=”0px” border_radius_top_right=”0px” border_radius_bottom_right=”0px” border_radius_bottom_left=”0px”]Join the Movement[/fusion_button][fusion_code]W3NwYWNlciBoZWlnaHQgPSAyMHB4XQ==[/fusion_code][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ type=”1_2″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” hover_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”]

How can you help?

A few simples changes in your life can make a huge difference!

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”][fusion_li_item]

Find and patronize a locally owned business whenever possible. Commit to shifting just 10% of your purchases to local businesses and you can make a huge difference for our community!

[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item]

Dine at a local, independent restaurant and treat yourself to a unique and personal dining experience.

[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item]

Look for the Local First Member sticker when you shop—that means they are a local, independent business.

[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item]

Tell your associates, family, and friends what is happening and why. We all create our communities. Let’s create a strong and vibrant community as a legacy for those who follow.

[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item]

Join the local movement! Support the work of Local First and become a champion for good by joining as a business or non-profit member or individual Localist.

[/fusion_li_item][/fusion_checklist][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” align_content=”stretch” flex_align_items=”flex-start” flex_justify_content=”flex-start” flex_wrap=”wrap” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” container_tag=”div” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” spacing_medium=”” spacing_small=”” padding_dimensions_medium=”” padding_dimensions_small=”” border_sizes=”” border_style=”solid” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_custom_size=”” background_custom_size_medium=”” background_custom_size_small=”” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” pattern_bg=”none” pattern_custom_bg=”” pattern_bg_color=”” pattern_bg_style=”default” pattern_bg_opacity=”100″ pattern_bg_size=”” pattern_bg_blend_mode=”normal” mask_bg=”none” mask_custom_bg=”” mask_bg_color=”” mask_bg_accent_color=”” mask_bg_style=”default” mask_bg_opacity=”100″ mask_bg_transform=”left” mask_bg_blend_mode=”normal” render_logics=”” logics=”” absolute=”off” absolute_devices=”small,medium,large” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_transition_offset=”0″ scroll_offset=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ align_self=”center” content_layout=”column” align_content=”center” valign_content=”flex-start” content_wrap=”wrap” center_content=”no” column_tag=”div” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” type_medium=”” type_small=”” type=”1_1″ flex_grow_medium=”” flex_grow_small=”” flex_grow=”” flex_shrink_medium=”” flex_shrink_small=”” flex_shrink=”” order_medium=”0″ order_small=”0″ dimension_spacing_medium=”” dimension_spacing_small=”” dimension_spacing=”” dimension_margin_medium=”” dimension_margin_small=”” dimension_margin=”” padding_medium=”” padding_small=”” padding=”” hover_type=”none” border_sizes=”” border_style=”solid” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ background_type=”single” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center center” linear_angle=”180″ lazy_load=”none” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_custom_size=”” background_custom_size_medium=”” background_custom_size_small=”” background_blend_mode=”none” render_logics=”” sticky=”off” sticky_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” absolute=”off” absolute_props=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hover_element=”self” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ transform_type=”regular” transform_hover_element=”self” transform_scale_x=”1″ transform_scale_y=”1″ transform_translate_x=”0″ transform_translate_y=”0″ transform_rotate=”0″ transform_skew_x=”0″ transform_skew_y=”0″ transform_scale_x_hover=”1″ transform_scale_y_hover=”1″ transform_translate_x_hover=”0″ transform_translate_y_hover=”0″ transform_rotate_hover=”0″ transform_skew_x_hover=”0″ transform_skew_y_hover=”0″ transform_origin=”” transition_duration=”300″ transition_easing=”ease” transition_custom_easing=”” motion_effects=”” scroll_motion_devices=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ spacing_left=”0.2%” padding_right=”135px” spacing_right=”0.3%” padding_left=”187.995px” min_height=”” last=”no” link=”” border_position=”all”][fusion_imageframe aspect_ratio=”” custom_aspect_ratio=”100″ aspect_ratio_position=”” lightbox=”no” linktarget=”_self” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”none” mask=”” custom_mask=”” mask_size=”” mask_custom_size=”” mask_position=”” mask_custom_position=”” mask_repeat=”” style_type=”” hover_type=”none” magnify_duration=”120″ scroll_height=”100″ scroll_speed=”1″ margin_medium=”” margin_small=”” caption_style=”off” caption_align_medium=”none” caption_align_small=”none” caption_align=”none” caption_title_tag=”2″ animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ image_id=”1092|full”]https://localfirstuploads.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/06165928/2014-why-buy-local.png[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]