Eat (Buy, Shop, & Think) Local For National Independents Week

Local First Arizona is celebrating the state’s locally-owned and independent businesses with National Independents Week, a week of events, discounts, and prizes.

From June 27 through July 5, Indie Week will educate consumers on the importance of supporting local businesses in our communities. According to Kimber Lanning, Director of Local First Arizona, four times more money stays in our local economy when consumers patronize an independent business instead of a chain.

“Arizona’s independent business community is the backbone of our local economy and the driving force behind what makes us proud to call Arizona home,” says Lanning. “Independents Week is our way of bringing attention to the important role independent businesses play in our daily lives.”

The campaign is part of the nationwide Independents Week, coordinated by the American Independent Business Alliance.

There are a number of ways you can show your support and be entered to win a “Staycation” package at the Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix or Hotel Congress in Tucson.

See the full list of participating businesses here.

Take the ‘Buy Local’ Pledge

Arizonans are encouraged to take the pledge to ‘Buy Local’ during Indie Week. Everyone who takes the pledge will be entered in a raffle to win the Phoenix staycation package, which includes a one-night stay at the Clarendon Hotel, a $100 gift card to the Vig and admission for two to the Phoenix Art Museum.

20% Off Golden Coupon

The popular Golden Coupon, printed by Think! Graphic and Printing Solutions, gets you 20% off at hundreds of locally-owned establishments. On top of a variety of restaurants, it includes auto repairs, home furnishing stores, boutiques, florists, yoga studios, nurseries, and more.

The Golden Coupon is not as elusive as it may sound. All you have to do is print out the Golden Coupon from localfirstaz.com or download the coupon on your smartphone.

Passport to Local Success

The free Passport to Local Success gives you the opportunity to tour 20 of Southern Arizona’s independent businesses, including Proper, Black Crown Coffee, and Sentinel Peak Brewing Company.

Get at least five stamps from passport businesses and you’ll be entered to win gift certificates for local restaurants, breweries, and the VIP Summer Staycation package from Hotel Congress. Package includes a one night stay at Hotel Congress for two, tickets to that night’s show at Club Congress and breakfast at The Cup Café.

Download your passport from localfirstaz.com on June 27th or pick one up at any of the passport stops. Completed passports can be dropped off at any of the 20 passport stops, mailed in or turned in at the Local First AZ table at Food on the Streets, Lights in the Sky.

Food on the Streets, Lights in the Sky

Celebrate the Fourth of July with Local First AZ at Mercado San Agustin. Beginning at 6pm, enjoy food trucks and live music from the Cochise County All-Stars.

The bar at Agustin Kitchen will be serving this year’s special Indie Week Ale from Borderlands Brewery – a Grapefruit Hefeweizen brewed with the juice and zest of locally-grown White Marsh Grapefruits.

For more information, visit localfirstaz.com.