BUY LOCAL MARKS 1ST ANNIVERSARY

The Portland Independent Business & Community Alliance (PIBCA), the non-profit, volunteer group behind the Portland Buy Local campaign, is marking its first anniversary with a weeklong celebration.

July 4th marks one year since PIBCA began educating consumers about the benefits of supporting locally -owned, independent businesses. Over 200 local businesses have participated in the campaign so far, and a survey conducted six months ago showed that the effort is already having a positive effect on consumers’ buying habits.

The celebration began on Wednesday, June 27, at the Farmers’ Market in Monument Square, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Local farmers were wearing Buy Local name tags and discussing why it’s important to buy fresh, local produce from Maine’s independent, family-owned farms. Members of the Buy Local campaign were on hand with t-shirts, Buy Local tote bags, bumper stickers and educational information.