It’s that time of year again – leaves are changing, pumpkins are on display and the newest “Be Local Coupon Book” is about to hit the shelves of local, independent businesses in La Plata County.
Now in its 14th year, the “Be Local Book” is produced every November by Local First to help encourage locals, tourists and everyone in between to shop with our local, independent businesses. This year’s theme, Resilience and Regrowth, exemplifies the strength and creativity of the La Plata community, showcasing the stories of local businesses, nonprofits and community leaders who have worked hard to keep our region safe and thriving through the challenges of the past few years.
The book is back to normal this year, featuring all new content from Local First’s 270-plus members, including 13 new business members that joined the Local First member community in 2020. This year’s book is the perfect directory of all the local, independent products, services and experiences available to us in La Plata County. It is packed with stories from your favorite businesses, an opportunity to support nonprofits with a donation from the Payroll Department and, of course, more than 160 coupons with $3,500 in savings.
Despite an uncertain year, Local First’s members are eager to be back in the book and are encouraging community members to use the it as a resource guide and explore new businesses through the coupons available. The more than 90 members who have participated in the “Be Local Book” for multiple consecutive years are a testament to the value that the book offers to Local First members.
“The Local First Coupon Book is a window into our community where you can discover not just the businesses but the people that make them run. As an independent local business, we look forward to being a part of the ‘Be Local Book’ because it builds connection between the people in our community, and human connection is a priceless resource for any community,” said the Payroll Department, a longtime Local First member and “Be Local Book” participant.
Whether members are looking to lure customers into their doors with coupons, gain visibility with Directory Advertisements, show off their staff members with a Back of Coupon photo or tell their inspiring stories with Story Pages, the book has something for everyone.
Join us for the Be Local Book Launch Party at Ska Brewing on the evening of Nov. 17 to get your coupon book and meet some of the businesses featured throughout the book. Tickets are $10, food included.
Can’t make it to the party? Don’t worry – the “Be Local Book” will be available for purchase starting Nov. 17 at stores throughout La Plata County, including: Maria’s Bookshop, Nature’s Oasis, Crow’s Closet, Durango Natural Foods, 2nd Ave Sports, Sunnyside Farms Market, Durango Welcome Center and many more.
Emily Bell is managing director of Local First in Durango. Contact her at director@local-first.org.
