Governor proclaims Oct. 4-6 as Buy Nearby Weekend

WHEREAS, Buy Nearby is an ongoing, year-round campaign launched by the Michigan Retailers Association to benefit Michigan communities and their retail businesses; and,

WHEREAS, the campaign encourages Michiganders to think before they click on out-of-state online store sites and instead choose to buy from retail businesses where they live, work or visit in Michigan, so more shopping dollars stay in our local communities and state economy; and,

WHEREAS, Buy Nearby, now in its seventh year, strives to instill Michigan pride into the shopping experience and send the message to “Keep your money in the Mitten”; and,

WHEREAS, retailing is responsible for 877,000 jobs in Michigan, a number that could rise through increased local purchases; and,

WHEREAS, if Michigan shoppers switched just one in ten of their out-of-state purchases to a Michigan retailer, it would generate an additional $1.2 billion in economic activity and create nearly 10,600 new jobs, amounting to $350 million in additional wages; and,

WHEREAS, each purchase made at a Michigan store keeps more money in our communities, improves the vitality of our local economies and quality of life, and directly supports our communities, our schools, and our infrastructure; and,

WHEREAS, the year-round Buy Nearby campaign has designated October 4-6, 2019, as Buy Nearby Weekend, a three-day observance for all to celebrate local communities and their retail businesses; and,

WHEREAS, communities and retailers are encouraged to offer special events and other promotions to promote local shopping and stimulate Michigan’s economy on Buy Nearby Weekend; and,

WHEREAS, residents are encouraged to shop with family and friends and support their communities and local retailers by posting photos and comments on social media using the #BuyNearbyMI hashtag; and,

WHEREAS, Buy Nearby weekend will demonstrate that buying nearby can be fun and rewarding;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 4-6, 2019, As Buy Nearby Weekend in Michigan.