Local small businesses make up the backbone of our economy but in recent years many have been forced to close. These business owners are your friends and your neighbors, the parents of your child’s teammate or a local leader and those owners are truly what makes the local economy work. They are invested in the community much more than a national corporation ever could be. In recent years a movement has begun to grow that encourages people to purchase from local businesses. Not only do these businesses depend on local patronage to survive but for every dollar spent more stays in the local economy.

The Buy Local Coalition was formed in 2009 by local business leader Scott Wagner of Penn Waste along with the leaders of Quality Digital Office Technology, Ream Printing, York Traditions Bank as well as others to educate the public about the benefits of buying from local, independent businesses as well as promoting local businesses. We want to be an ambassador for all of the people of York County as well as the surrounding counties to encourage inclusion and to encourage consumers to buy local rather than from major corporations when at all possible. The Buy Local Coalition helps small businesses pool and share their resources.

Local businesses offer a wide array of good and services that are in demand. From architects to breweries to banks and attorneys as well as everything in between these businesses are rooted in the community. Your favorite restaurant is probably a unique, local business. These businesses keep more of their profits in the local economy and also support local nonprofits and charities more generously. Many local businesses also lead by example and extend their patronage to other local businesses knowing the importance of buying local.

The Buy Local Coalition is a group of locally owned and operated independent businesses in York, Adams, Franklin, Lancaster, Cumberland and Dauphin Counties. Our goal is to educate the public about the benefits of spending money with local businesses as well as to promote businesses working with other local businesses. We are committed to patronizing local businesses as well as using local vendors when possible and encourage other businesses and the community to do the same. We are a 501c6 non-profit organization. There is strength in numbers so please join us in buying local!