house resolution no.175

Rep. Marino offered the following resolution:

A resolution to declare October 4-6, 2019, as Buy Nearby Weekend in the state of Michigan.

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 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 a "Pure Michigan" feeling to 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 create an additional $1.2 billion in economic activity and 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 the 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 encourage 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, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That members of this legislative body declare October 4-6, 2019, as Buy Nearby Weekend in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That the people of the state of Michigan are encouraged to buy nearby on these three days and every day.