A CASH Mob? Or did you say “FLASH Mob”?

Way to go to Vikki Baptiste, a local cheerleader for local things.  We at JMC have always loved the concept of buying local, to support local “mom-and-pop” businesses and thus the local economy.  Enter The 3/50 Project, and enter BloNo Cash Mob.

The 3/50 Project is a nationwide effort to spend locally.  The motto is “Saving the Brick and Mortars our Nation is Built on” and the concept is to pick three local business you’d miss if they closed, and then visit them and spend $50 at each store.  For every $100 spent at a local establishment, $68 stays local (taxes, payroll, and other expenditures) versus only $43 staying when you buy at chain stores.  This monetary benefit is one thing, but the goodwill and smiles (yours and theirs) are priceless.

How do you know which stores are locally-owned?  Now… The 3/50 Project is introducing a new iPhone app that helps you locate “fabulous mom and pop businesses you’ll love and won’t want to lose… whether at home or on the road!”  Click here to find out more about the app:

http://www.the350project.net/look_local_home.html

Find The 3/50 Project on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/The350Project

Now, back to Vikki, a local Bloomington/Normal-ite who has a great passion for all things local and who is very forward-thinking.  She said in a recent newspaper article that “cash mobs are much like flash mobs which are known for large gatherings of people who dance and perform other acts publicly.  But cash mobs have a mission — to create their own economic stimulus for ‘mom-and-pop’ shops.”  The BloNo Cash Mob members, of whom there are close to 500 as observed on their Facebook page, will gather on a certain day (a surprise until just before the event) and spend at least $10 each at the local business.  It’s a “Cash Injection” and a fabulous idea!

The BloNo Cash Mob was in The Pantagraph recently with a story about their recent mobbing event:

http://www.pantagraph.com/business/local/twin-city-cash-mobbers-help-mom-and-pop-shops-flourish/article_342cbba6-844e-11e1-89fa-0019bb2963f4.html

When asked why she does what she does, Vikki says, “I love our community and want to make sure it's still viable and vibrant when my kids are my age.”  I should be thinking beyond my own nose so much!

BloNo Cash Mob’s Facebook page describes them as “a flash mob with a purpose!  We support local, independently-owned businesses one mob at a time. (without the bad dancing)”  Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BloNoCashMob/ and request to be a member. 

Thank you to all who support local businesses.  As a 30+ year Bloomington business, we know the importance of local and faithful customers.  If you haven’t shopped at a local business lately, give it a try and let us know what surprises you encounter!

Memories Matter!

Jen at JMC