Interior Supports Buy-Local Initiative

Date: September 1, 2011
For more information please contact:
Rebecca Zepeda (202) 208-2534
Rebecca_Zepeda@ios.doi.gov

Washington, D.C. – The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs will be supporting a partnership between the University of Guam's (UOG) Pacific Center for Economic Initiatives and the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) to pursue a targeted marketing education campaign promoting the economic benefits of supporting local island businesses. The initial grant support of $150,000 will assist UOG and GEDA in launching the "Buy-Local" campaign in the coming months.

"I commend UOG and their leadership through President Underwood for putting this worthwhile initiative forward. Local small businesses strengthen the economic base of every community. This is about promoting local prosperity but also servers as an opportunity to highlight Chamorro culture and traditions through an aggressive and creative campaign," said Assistant Secretary Babauta.  "I hope this campaign has a dual effect of strengthening and highlighting any weaknesses in local laws promoting Guam-made goods."

The "buy-local" campaign expects to prompt a minimum shift of 10 percent towards purchasing locally-supplied goods and services on Guam by Guam consumers and businesses. The marketing campaign will showcase and incorporate native Chamorro cultural images and promote Guam's unique sense of place.

UOG's Pacific Center for Economic Initiatives hopes to develop a branding image and utilize ad space, purchase t-shirts, logos and other gear to creatively target all aspects of every-day Guam community life in an effort to change buying habits and unite local customers and local small businesses.

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