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Workshop outlines criteria to define 'local' and 'independent' businesses for Buy Local campaign
Summary
Organizers discussed setting clear definitions for 'local' (majority local ownership or residency within a chosen radius) and 'independent' (decision-making authority within the community) and recommended an affiliate category for franchise-like or buying-co-op retailers.
Sustainable Business Council organizers discussed at length how to define which businesses qualify for a Buy Local designation, proposing clear, written rules to distinguish local independent businesses from franchises and national chains.
Why it matters: participants said a clear definition prevents confusion among consumers, avoids alienating independent competitors, and preserves credibility in public-facing marketing.
Jeff Milton told attendees the typical approach among affiliates is to define “local” by majority ownership and residency in a defined geographic area (for example, county or a 20–30 mile radius) and “independent” by whether decision‑making authority for key business matters resides locally. “Independent… is defined very clearly as the decision making authority for all key business decisions is within the community,” Milton said.
Attendees raised boundary cases: large multi-outlet businesses headquartered locally, businesses that belong to buying cooperatives (ACE, True Value) and firms tied to national franchises. Milton recommended clear labeling and separate categories: an affiliate or “locally owned franchise/buying co‑op” listing distinct from an independent business designation. “At the very least, make sure it’s a clear separate category,” Milton told the group to avoid confusing customers and competing independent businesses.
The meeting also featured a technical discussion about hardware stores that operate through national buying co‑ops such as ACE or True Value. Milton explained such outlets are commonly independent retail owners that purchase through a buying cooperative and therefore are often eligible for inclusion as independents, but the group should clearly explain distinctions in promotional materials so consumers understand differences between franchises, buying co‑ops and corporate chains.
The steering committee agreed to draft written eligibility criteria for member and campaign materials that distinguish independent members, affiliate members and sponsors. The Council will also propose a non‑voting affiliate membership category for entities with national ties but local operations.
No formal vote was taken; the group directed staff/volunteers to draft proposed definitions and present them to the board for adoption.
