There are many well-documented benefits to our communities when we choose local, independently owned businesses. We realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally and so merely ask you to Think Local FIRST! Got questions? Email us at localfirstithaca@gmail.com

1. Buy Local

Support our OWN economy. Money spent at local, independent businesses stays local and circulates through our community.

2. Support community groups

Locally owned businesses give back at much higher rates than big biz.

3. Keep our community unique

Local businesses reflect local culture, flavor, and interests

4. Reduce environmental impact

Local sourcing means goods and supplies usually travel shorter distances

5. Create more good jobs

Small businesses are the largest private employer nationally.

6. Get better service

Local businesses are more knowledgeable about their products and take time to know their customers.

7. Invest in community

Local businesses are owned by people with a stake in the community's future and well-being.

8. Put your taxes to good use

Local businesses make more efficient use of public services than big biz.

9. Buy what YOU want, not what someone wants you to buy

Local businesses are free to choose and stock products that their customers ask for.

10. Encourage local prosperity

Entrepreneurs and skilled workers tend to invest and settle in communities with distinctive character.

3 D Light 109 The Commons 273-1187	15 Steps 171 The Commons 272-4902	American Crafts By Robbie Dean 158 The Commons 277-2846	Autumn Leaves Used Books 115 The Commons 273-8239 Website	Avanti 121 S. Cayuga St. 256-0121
Benjamin Peters 120 The Commons 273-1371 Website	Bishops Pro Home Center 430 W. State St. 273-3511	The Bookery I Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St. 273-5055 Website	Bookery II Dewitt Mall 215 N. Cayuga St. 273-5055	The Cat's Pajamas Dewitt Mall 215 N. Cayuga St. 272-5582
Cobbler's Cottage 222 Elmira Rd. 273-2951	Daria on Dryden 210 Dryden Rd. 273-1251 Website	Diaspora Gallery 215 The Commons 257-1904	Evolution 102 102 E. State St. 272-0102 Website	Finger Lakes Running Company 138 W. State St. 275-3572 Website
Gimme Coffee 506 W. State St. 272-8564 430 N. Cayuga St. 277-8393 Website	Greenstar Cooperative Market 701 W. Buffalo St. 273-9392 Dewitt Mall 273-2917 Website	Habitat of Ithaca 171 The Commons 272-0775 Web site	Handwork 102 W. State St. 273-9400 Website	The Holiday Store 135 The Commons 272-2704 Website
Home Green Home 215 The Commons 319-4159 Website	Homegrown 104 The Commons 273-0430 Website	Homespun Boutique 314 E. State St. 277-0954	House of Shalimar 142 The Commons 273-7939 Website	Ithaca Grain and Pet Supply 1011 W. Seneca St. 277-7387
Ithaca Guitar Works Dewitt Mall 272-2602 Website	Ithaca Paint & Decorating 1013 W. State St. 272-1133	Ithaca's Glass 107A The Commons 277-4527 Website	The Kitschen Sink 210 Elmira Rd. 277-4914	The Jewelbox 301 Taughannock Blvd. 257-4666 Website
Jillian's Drawers 112 N. Cayuga St. 272-1237 Website	Loose Threads 118 The Commons 275-3359	Lynda Myers Designs 320 E. State St. 330-1197	Mama Goose 430 W. State St. 269-0600 Website	Mansour Jewelers 140 The Commons 272-1810
Morris' Too 136 The Commons 272-7385	Now You're Cooking 116 The Commons 272-5818	No Radio Records 312 E. Seneca St. Website	Pastimes Dewitt Mall, 215 N. Cayuga St. 277-3457 Website	Petrune 126 The Commons 277-1930 Website
Quilters Corner Community Corners moving to 518 W. State St. 266-0850 Website	Red Feet Wine Market 435 Franklin St. 330-1056 Website	Silk Oak & Friends 401 W. Seneca St. 272-1396 Website	Small World Music 614 W. State St. 256-0428	Sparrow's Fine Wines 726 W. Green St. 256-7145 Website
T-Shirt Expressions 210 The Commons 273-6667	Tuff Soul 516 W. State St. 319-0083 Website	Unique World 103 The Commons 272-8751	Volume Records 148 The Commons 272-1526