Last week, Governor Richardson came to Scalo's in Nob Hill and asked New Mexicans to spend $25 at 2 local stores this month. With the prevelance of local shops in Albuquerque, it is important to spend money there because the money stays in our communitiy and local economy.
I would also like to encourage folks to spend money in local shops, not only this month but year round. Local small business is a major part of our local economy and the strength of our local businesses translates to the health of our local economy. I am lucky to represent an area that consists of amazing local shops, restaurants, and other businesses in Nob Hill and the International District.
Gov. Richardson Asks New Mexicans to Shop Locally
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: December 3, 2009
Filed at 9:16 p.m. ET
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- New Mexico Gov.
Bill Richardson on Thursday urged New Mexicans to spend $25 at each of two local stores this month, an initiative that could have a $27 million economic impact on the state in December.
Richardson, who spoke at a restaurant in Albuquerque's Nob Hill shopping area, said that for every $100 spent locally, $68 stays in that community. That compares to $43 remaining in the community for every $100 spent in national chain stores, he said.
Because small- and medium-sized businesses are prevalent in New Mexico, shopping locally would help the state's budget shortfall, Richardson said.
''This is a way we can pump tax money, gross receipts funds, into our state and at the same time make a difference and help our local businesses,'' he said.
While Albuquerque, Santa Fe and cities around the country have asked shoppers to spend their dollars at local stores, New Mexico's ''$25 2 Main Street'' campaign makes it one of few states -- alongside Vermont and Utah -- to offer a statewide push, said Stacy Mitchell, a senior researcher at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
