It promotes shopping local on a national scale by celebrating products Made in America and drawing attention to issues from college dorm rooms to gifts and clothing to an entire house of made in America products.

View the interactive map of Made in America companies, find products produced in the United States or download this product list.

Her prize was presented at the Spirit of Christmas celebration in downtown Gresham at the Center for the Arts Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 3rd.

Many Thanks to Our Giveaway Sponsors

Accents on Attitude
ICandy
Sizzler
Smiddys Carpet Cleaning
Abby’s Pizza
Rewind
Proforma Prosource
All Aout Kids
Free Spirit
Olympic Gym
Tails of Abbygail
Creative Vision Landscape
Of the Chart Games
Mt. Hood Lanes
The Outlook
Jamba Juice
Dickey’s Bar
Fab50Project

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday just around the corner – holiday shopping is about to commence. One more fruitcake or Chia Pet – NO THANK YOU! As the holidays approach we all have the opportunity to make choices about where we shop. True, it can be tempting to call the number on the TV screen or make purchases online, but is that really the best thing for our local economy? Does this really provide the wow factor that is the reason for giving? This year get creative!!!

Everyone—yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local barber or hairdresser or perhaps a gym membership? Who couldn’t use a little more exercise!

Are you one of those extravagant givers who thinks nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s for imported electronics? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, his lawn mowed for the summer, or a round of golf at a local golf course. Could your computer use a tune-up? Most of ours can — think of using a local businessman who is striving to get his computer repair business up and running.

Everyone loves to eat – celebrate our local eateries by giving gift certificates to local restaurants. The recipient can eat, drink and be merry while stimulating the economy with a tip for the local employee.

Looking for something more personal? Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit handmade items such as scarves and hats. They make jewelry and pottery…and an endless list of other beautiful products. For those people who have everything, consider giving to a local charity in your family or friend’s name.

If you need help finding a local business or charity call the Gresham Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center or visit www.greshamchamber.org. We would be happy to help you find a business that suits your needs.

Happy Holidays from Try Local First and the Chamber!!

P.S. By shopping locally you are supporting your local community. Remember the job you save may be your neighbors!

The Winning Essays

Sarah’s essay said:
Why it’s important to shop local
…it creates jobs for people in our area. I volunteer at My Father’s House, a community shelter and I know that those people there wish there were more jobs for them close to home. There are so many other people in our area that need work and by shopping local we can provide a way for them to support their families.

Colin’s essay said:
Why it’s important to shop local
..is because when you shop at my friend Herman’s store you are giving them money and that is what feeds his family. When you buy something at the store that cash turns into money that takes care of them. Herman’s store is just a few blocks from my house and I walk there to buy all my ice creams from his store.

Sarah & Colin, thank you for entering the contest and understanding the importance of shopping local!

Thanks

A great big thank you to our prize donors:

• 40 Silk Bucks from Silk Espresso
• 4 certificates for appetizer or dessert from Red Robin
• 2 gift certificates for a hair cut from Nails on First
• 2 large pizzas from Bronx Eatery
• $10 gift certificate from Lillian’s Market
• $25 gift certificate from Craft Warehouse
• 2 $65 gift certificates from Mt Hood Lanes
• 2 Ink cartridge certificates from Cartridge World
• 5 $20 gift certificates from Laze Planet
• $25 gift certificate from Elegantly Funky
• 8 movie passes from Mt Hood Theater
• 2 certificates for admission to 10 plus game tokens from Wunderland
• Cell phone auto mount from John the Wireless Guy
• 8 admission tickets from Skate World
• 2 $12 gift certificates from Bella Cupcake
• 2 One year subscriptions to the Outlook
• Set of 5 Tails of Abbygail DVD & Poster from Terry Hanson Link

Don’t forget to shop local this Holiday season!

My “10 Ways To Local”

1. Changed my business focus to one where I now strive to get local business owners and non-profits maximum visibility in the community, save them money and help them get more profitable.
2. Became a Gresham Chamber of Commerce member.
3. Became a member of a Gresham ITakeTheLead professionals networking group.
4. Joined the TryLocalFirst meetings.
5. Changed my dentist from one on 72nd & Division to Sue Monnes, Gresham Chamber member.
6. Changed my health products from Whole Foods near 40th & Sandy to Lillian’s in Gresham.
7. Changed my auto, home and life insurance from a Farmer’s agent in Milwaukie to Lori Stegmann and John Sage, Gresham Chamber members.
8. Though my change was from one local to another local…it was from a non-Chamber member to a Chamber member: Brian at Cartridge World on Eastman Pkwy.
9. Changed my church attendance and offerings from a Mall 205 area church to Easthill.
10. And, I refer others to local businesses rather than out-of-Gresham businesses or online ones.

I do so love our Gresham. Makes you feel good to be a part of such a great community. We have so much here. I encourage others to really think about where they are spending their money, and consider if it is helping their community or one elsewhere. Let’s all do what we can to spend here, not there. And, think of your own “10 Ways To Local”. You’ll be glad you did, and so will others you affect by your decision.

No guilt-trip intended, but even though it’s convenient at times…when you are out of Gresham and around other areas of the Portland-Vancouver metro area…to buy gas, groceries, coffee, cards and other things…buy local because it’s the right thing to do to support our local economy. Our decisions and habits do make a difference!

To a more prosperous year and years to come,
Steve Copeland
Copeland Business Services
Gresham, OR

The June 16th Third Thursday will feature a beer tasting in the courtyard of the newly opened “The Hoppy Brewer”, accompanied by acoustical Jazz/R&B trio “Matt Kirk & Friends”. “The Hoppy Brewer” is located at 328 N. Main Avenue in historic downtown Gresham.

The Historic Downtown Gresham Business Association is seeking artisans for Third Thursdays. For further information, visit the Historic Downtown Gresham website or call (503) 665-5990.

CONTACT: Kerry Ann O’Halloran
(503) 661-8000 ext. 101

The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center and Try Local First are offering a special class that will help your marketing efforts jump into the 21st Century.

Join Michael Gonzales, Sole Position Internet Marketing, for 10 Ways to Engage Your Audience & Extend Your Reach.

The class will cover: Email Marketing Campaigns, Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), Blogging, Search Engine Optimization for your website, Affiliate Marketing, Surveys & Contests, Webinars, and more.

Class Details

When: Tuesday, March 29, 2011. 6 – 8 PM
Where: Portland Adventist Elementary School in Gresham
Cost: $25 per person

To register, email GACC@greshamchamber.org or call 503-665-1131.

Hurry, just 5 seats left!

Giving Back

The first thing Kim did with her winning check of $1,000 was to make a donation that will provide 600 pounds of food for local families. That is just one of the great things that happen when you Try Local First local charities are supported in the most part by local businesses so when you buy local chances are you are helping to support local non-profits and charities.

Kim knows about that on the other side also as her husband, Michael is an owner of a small business in downtown Gresham and his business Sole Position Internet Marketing is always one to step-up and help local causes! Congratulations! Kim we know you are having a great time this Holiday Season shopping in East County.

The event features Peter & The Wolf, with the puppets of
Tears of Joy Puppet Theater

When?
Sunday, December 5 at 3:00pm

Where?
Mt. Hood Community College Theater

Adults $10 Kids $5
For Tickets: 503.234.4077 or on–line www.columbiasymphony.org

Try Local First is proud to be taking part in the Gresham Chamber of Commerce Fall Open House.
The Open House is FREE and open to everyone, especially the general public, and will be held:

Thursday November 4th from 4:30 – 7:00 PM
St. Henry’s Catholic Church Gym
346 NW 1st Street, Gresham Oregon

50 local chamber of commerce businesses will be giving away food, swag, coupons, and discounts in an effort to save you money on the products and services you already use.
You will also be able to buy a raffle ticket for $500 worth of free tires, or a brand new laser printer.

Enter Our Drawing!
Stop on by our booth and enter in our drawing for a $1000 East County Shopping Spree.
Our shopping spree contest runs from October 24th, 2010 through December 3rd, 2010.
See you at the Open House!