Leveraging Indie Impact Studies

At the core of every Choose Indie Local campaign is amplifying the local multiplier effect — documented by Civic Economics Indie Impact Studies Series. Matt Cunningham, a partner at Civic Economics, offered advice on leveraging the multiplier effect and the Indie Impact Studies during Independents Month — and every month!

• Start with a goal
  • Educate Public
    • Local businesses are the backbone of community
    • They keep more money locally
    • Local businesses contribute more to local causes
  • Influence a Local Issue
    • Land use
  • Influence Local Decisions
    • Tax breaks for national chains
    • Big box recruitment

• Present the data
  • Keep It Simple
    • No need to complicate it
    • Do not exaggerate. Data speaks for itself.
  • Use Charts
    • Made for each report
  • Accompany Numbers With Business Stories
    • Tie the two together
  • Repeat Same Themes
    • Whenever speaking, always reference the survey

• Spread the word
  • Press Conference or Presentation of Report
  • Editorial In Local Newspaper
  • Social Media
  • Handouts/Signs At Local Businesses
  • Local or Regional Conferences
  • Try to include people or groups not already invested

Don’t yet have an Indie Impact Study for your community? Here’s an overview of what it takes.