After looking at some of the government intervention that can help; lets look at what WE can do.
"Buy Local". Its not just a catchy phrase. Its a concept; and it works.
Why does buy local work? One reason it works is because the world is growing smaller; in its own way. In 1990's/2000's there was a socioeconomic-geographical movement called "Californization". Californization was a label given to the incredible amount of urban sprawl that started in California, and moved nationwide. Its where businesses, and consumers, moved from downtowns to the outskirts/suburbs. Big box stores like Walmart, Applebees, etc all exploded in growth. Small, local businesses wilted and died.
Today, the nation is contracting back to downtowns. In fact, in many developers are scrambling to construct urban residential properties. Higher gas prices combined with infuriating drive times play a large role. This movement back towards is being called "manhattanization" and its clearly taking place all over the country.
What is buy local? The concept is simple: buying local. Stop spending money at "big box" stores, like Walmart and Applebees. Yes, I know Applebees is tricky because its a chain but has several units owned by Perry Countians (who are very successful business people).
Stop driving to Lexington, Huntington, or Johnson City for food, entertainment, and shopping. Remember, we're trying to pull revenue into Eastern Kentucky. This starts by spending money at home. Think of it as a financial circle. An investment in the region.
On the consumer end, its about spending a little more money in return for a MUCH better product. creating and shopping at local farmers markets or organic markets/butchers. Eating at restaurants who use a "farm to table" approach. Purchasing craft beer from local brewers and moonshine from local distilleries (both these are a little ways out; but not as far as one might think). Buying from local artisans rather than big box stores.
In the end, its about showing entrepreneurs you're willing to spend your money with them; if they will use local vendors. Many people are hesitant initially, because of the slightly higher costs. However once they experience the far superior quality and see the reinvestment into the community; the concept quickly catches fire.
On the Entrepreneur side, its a little different. Its a leap of faith. If an entrepreneur decides to open a restaurant, his research will show there's a much greater chance of success if they pay a large sum of money and purchase a franchise. In fact, who could blame a business owner for this decision? Especially without research showing the region will "buy local". In fact, I would guess Eastern Kentucky consumers spend very little money with local vendors.
However once opened, and "buy local" starts working FOR your business; make sure your business starts working for "buy local". Don't buy food services from gigantic companies like Sysco. Don't pay exorbitant franchise fees to corporations who's money will never make its way back to Eastern Kentucky. True, it'll cost a little more per unit, but the money will come back to you through the community.
Growth of downtown areas in cities like Louisville, Asheville, Chattanooga, and Cincinnati are all showing incredible growth in restaurant and hospitality; mostly based on buy local. All are cities within about 3 hours away from our region. All have elements of their revitalization that Eastern Kentucky could use to aid in our revitalization. All will be examined in a greater detail later.
Hospitality is just the start. Once buy local becomes a movement, it spreads to other things. Local designers start opening clothing boutiques. Local artists open art galleries. There are tons of talented designers, artists, and musicians in the region. Unfortunately right now, they all ply their trade elsewhere because there simply isn't a market in Eastern Kentucky.
All of this makes Eastern Kentucky a better place to live. An easier place to attract visitors. And ultimately an easier place to attract small/medium size employers. A more attractive place for small/medium sized businesses (which Ill cover later). All necessary for the survival, and resurgence of Eastern Kentucky.
