How to resolve AdBlock issue? Launched by Juergen Klingenberg of Hound Dog Graphics, Local Living In is a buy- local marketing strategy that con- nects small businesses between Albany and Lake George with the consumers in their community through an easy-to-use rewards program.
“This active program rewards local consumers for using local businesses,” Juergen said.
Here’s how it works: Consumers sign up to receive a BuyLocal card, which they can present at partici- pating local businesses to receive special discounts and promotions. In addition, the Local Living In website (www.LocalLivingIn.com) provides 24/7 access to information about local businesses along with updates about promotions, events and deals. The website is divided into communities, including Malta, Saratoga, Ballston Spa and Clifton Park, among others.
Last month, the nearly 1,000 members of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County plugged into this valuable network, giving the consumers in their community a way to actively participate in the Buy.Think.Local campaign.
“In the past, we had challenges with a rewards card program, and [Local Living In] really seems to have successfully done it,” said Loretta Rigney, vice president of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County. “By partnering with them we can get those reward cards into people’s hands and also offer an additional member benefit. It’s a win-win for both of us.” Both organizations share the same goal: to educate consumers about the importance of keeping local dollars local and, in turn, encourage them to support the businesses in their community.
“There is a very strong benefit from buying from local merchants wherever and whenever possible. Your sales tax dollars contribute to safer streets, cleaner sidewalks, emergency services, and numerous other benefits,” said Rigney. “By thinking and buying locally we are all contributing to the success of our own community and the well- being of our neighbors, family and friends."
Now, when southern Saratoga County businesses sign up with the chamber, they will automatically become a part of Local Living In. For participating business own- ers, the Local Living In website is a convenient and effective way to inform consumers about the servic- es they offer and the contributions they make to their community. In addition, the Local Living In strat- egy extends to print and local media outlets through an advertis- ing co-op that exponentially increases exposure and brand awareness.
Klingenberg and his team work one-on-one with participating busi- nesses to establish an individual marketing/outreach strategy that works for them. This tailor-fit pro- gram is part of the larger Local Living In network, which Klingenberg aggressively draws attention to.
This weekend, the Local Living In team will be at the Rotary Home and Garden Show at the Saratoga Springs City Center. Present your BuyLocal discount card upon entry, and receive $1 off your admission. (See pages 16-18 for details about the event.) And, in the next few weeks, look out for the Local Living In smartcar.
According to Klingenberg, the partnership has already proved successful. He hopes to work with other area chambers to boost “buy local” campaigns throughout the region. “The campaign has really taken off,” Klingenberg said. “In the last month we have seen an increase in traffic to not only the website, but in the number of people requesting the BuyLocal cards.”
For more information about Local Living In, visit www.LocalLivingIn.com. To obtain a BuyLocal rewards card, contact Juergen Klingenberg at (518) 795-6500.
