PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, will launch the website for the statewide initiative Buy Local RI, at a press conference THURSDAY, August 13th at 5:00 p.m. in the Bell Area of the State House.
Buy Local RI launched last year with a public awareness campaign encouraging Rhode Islanders to support locally owned, independent businesses. The Buy Local RI initiative created a working group which developed the website, dedicated to expanding the market for local businesses and products by connecting consumers and businesses to Rhode Island businesses. During the initial enrollment phase, all Rhode Island based independent businesses are encouraged to sign up for a free listing. Once businesses have signed up, a searchable database of local businesses will be on the website to help consumers and other Rhode Island businesses “buy local.”
The website launch also unveils the new logo for Buy Local RI. The winning logo was chosen from among more then eighty submissions by local designers to a statewide competition earlier this year. In addition to the winning logo, many of the design submissions will be on display.
A reception follows the press conference and will feature samples from local merchants and producers. Refreshments, services and displays provided by local business sponsors will be featured including Dave’s Market, Eastside Marketplace, Glasswing Design, Greenvale Vineyards, Left Brain, New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Ocean State Chocolates, Trinity Beer, Warwick Ice Cream, and Yacht Club Beverages.
For more information, visit the Buy Local RI page on the Lt. Governor’s website at: http://www.ltgov.ri.gov/buylocalri/