What is Choose Local?
Choose Local Inland Northwest is a community-wide movement dedicated to building a robust, resilient local economy by fostering a powerful culture of support for our locally owned businesses. We are a proactive, solution-based organization focused on growing and protecting the businesses that form the backbone of our community.
What Do We Do?
We connect Kootenai County residents with the local businesses that make our area unique. Our mission is carried out through a variety of impactful campaigns and services:
- Community Education: We run creative marketing campaigns to educate consumers about the powerful economic impact of shopping locally—showing how your dollars recirculate to strengthen our entire community.
- Business Directory & E-Magazine: We will be providing a comprehensive, easy-to-use directory of local businesses and an engaging digital magazine to connect consumers and businesses directly.
- Local Online Shopping & Delivery: We are developing tools to help local businesses compete with major online retailers, offering the convenience consumers demand.
- Community Events: We host fun, family-friendly “Choose Local Fests” and other events that allow you to meet the faces behind our local businesses.
- Unified Community Calendar: We are creating and will maintain the go-to calendar for all events in Kootenai County, uniting our community through shared experiences.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing Local?
When you Choose Local, everyone wins. You are not just making a purchase—you are making an investment in our community’s future.
- Keep Our Money Local: For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $48-$65 stays in our local economy, compared to only $14 at a chain store and less than $1 online. This funds our parks, roads, and emergency services.
- Protect Local Jobs: Local businesses are our largest employers. Supporting them keeps our neighbors working and creates new job opportunities.
- Build a Resilient Economy: A strong “Choose Local” culture creates a buffer against national economic downturns, ensuring our community remains vibrant and prosperous.
- Preserve Our Unique Character: The businesses you support are the ones that define our community’s culture and charm. By choosing local, you help keep Kootenai County a special place to live, work, and play.
Join the movement. Strengthen our economy. Choose Local.