March 17, 2008 - In Coopersville, Michigan, local businesses are gaining the cutting edge, according to an article in the Grand Rapids Press.

On February 13, members of the Coopersville City Council voted 6-0 to pass a new policy to support the purchase of local goods and services. The policy will prioritize local businesses for municipal contracts over non-local bids even when local bids are five percent higher than their outside counterparts. The new policy comes as the council is planning a "Buy Local" campaign.

City Manager Steve Patrick proposed the new policy after learning other municipalities give special consideration to local businesses to keep tax dollars in their communities and help local businesses provide jobs.

Chamber director Cindy Timmerman referenced the book The Small-Mart Revolution, which argues that doing business with local companies is better for the economy overall than investing in companies not rooted in the community.

Local businesses were initially defined as those within city limits, but this may be revisited as the impacts of the policy can be measured.

To see the full article in PDF format, click here.