Local officials stood together in a united front as the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce officially launched its "Shop the Rock" program to encourage businesses and residents to spend their money locally.
More than 100 people attended the official launch at 8 a.m. at the Rockdale Medical Center with the Conyers and Rockdale Rotary Clubs. Chamber officials as well as Conyers Mayor Randy Mills, County Commission Chair Richard Oden, school board chair Wales Barksdale and RMC CEO Debora Armstrong outlined the economic impact of shopping local.
Chamber President Lorraine Harrison has made the Shop Local campaign central to her platform this year. She said she was thrilled to see the community-wide commitment to the effort.
"Every dollar spent with a locally owned Rockdale County business has a return of investment of 68 cents back into our tax base. When we spend with businesses located here, but not owned here 43 cents is returned to the community. When we shop outside the county or online none of the revenue feeds back," Harrison said previously.
"The greatest positive economic impact on jobs and foreclosures can be derived when we shop local."
Many of Rockdale's school and county and city capital projects, such as building construction, road paving, and school renovations, are paid with funds collected from sales taxes.
Shop the Rock Committee Chair Diane Adoma highlighted the influence consumers have on their local economy and community. "You have the power to keep Rockdale alive and thriving," she said. "Preserve this beautiful historic small town and county of Rockdale. You can preserve this city and experience exponential growth without sacrificing quality of life."
"Yes, we can have our cake and eat it too if we choose to shop local," said Adoma.
Harrison also later said, "We understand people have to make decisions based on what's best for their business and their family. What we're asking them to do is if the service or goods are available and the pricing is competitive, buy it from a local vendor."
The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber will launch an ongoing series of educational workshops for both consumers and businesses to bring awareness to the impact of shopping local.
The first workshop will be on May 8, 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., with more information on the "Shop the Rock" program, specific tips on how businesses can use the campaign and branding image to attract customers, and how consumers can help their neighborhoods, schools and communities by making simple shopping choices.
Shoppers can also participate in the “20/20 Program” which encourages all to spend a minimum of $20 at a local business on the 20th of each month. Buyers who Tweet their purchase information can be entered into a drawing for a free prize at Twitter.com/ShopInRockdale.
The first prize for May 20 will be a basket filled with picnic items donated by Evans Pharmacy.
The Chamber has partnered with the City Council, Board of Commissioners, Economic Development Council, Top Ten Employers and a host of other small businesses and leaders for this campaign.
For more information on Shop Local campaign, visit www.shoptherock.org, or Facebook.com/ShopInRockdale and Twitter.com/ShopInRockdale. You can also contact Lorraine Harrison at 770-289-9621, lorraineharrison@bellsouth.net or Diane Daniels-Adoma at adoma.diane@gmail.com at 770-483-9360.
