2015 BUY LOCAL PROGRAM RESEARCH AND SURVEY REPORT

Prepared for

Sheryl Kelsh, President/CEO

Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce

Prepared by

Michael Wegener, Senior Marketing Student

George Fox University

December 10, 2015

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December 10, 2015

Sheryl Kelsh

Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce

115 N College Street, Suite 2

Newberg, OR 97132

Dear Ms. Kelsh,

This is the final report for the Buy Local research internship started in October 2015. With this

letter, I am hereby transmitting the report, entitled “2015 BUY LOCAL PROGRAM

RESEARCH AND SURVEY REPORT” to you for your use in implementing a new Buy Local

program for the Chehalem Valley.

The methods and findings of the Business and Consumer Buy Local surveys are described and

secondary research on other Buy Local programs are discussed in this report. I believe this report

includes some good insight on what local businesses and consumers would like to see as part of a

new Buy Local program, and what current buying habits are for consumers.

I have enjoyed working on this project with you and the Chamber. I have gained valuable

experience in a very useful field and have enjoyed learning from new challenges. I will include a

link to a PowerPoint summary of the findings. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions

or would like to discuss the findings further.

Sincerely,

Michael Wegener

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Table of Contents

Section Title........................................................................................................................ .......Page

Executive Summary.........................................................................................................................4

Introduction......................................................................................................................................5

Definition of the Population ................................................................................................5

Business.................................................................................................................. .5

Consumer.................................................................................................................5

Sample Sizes....................................................................................................................... .5

Development of the Questionnaire......................................................................................5

Data Collection Method......................................................................................................6

Findings.......................................................................................................................................... .6

Business Survey.............................................................................................................. .....6

Response Rate..........................................................................................................6

Results......................................................................................................................6

Consumer Survey...............................................................................................................13

Response Rate........................................................................................................13

Profile of the Sample.............................................................................................13

Results....................................................................................................................13

Secondary Research...........................................................................................................20

Limitations.........................................................................................................................21

Conclusions........................................................................................................................21

Appendix........................................................................................................................................23

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Executive Summary

This research was conducted in order to better inform the implementation of a new,

comprehensive Buy Local Program for the Chehalem Valley. The purpose of this research was to

gain feedback from local business owners on what they would like to see from a Buy Local

program as well as how they would be willing to participate in the program. In addition,

information on local consumers’ attitudes towards buying locally and what would influence them

to buy local more often was collected. Two separate surveys were designed and presented to

local business owners and residents. Each survey was designed to fulfill the respective objectives

outlined above. Secondary research was conducted, looking at other towns’ Buy Local Programs

and their implementation.

79 businesses responded to the Business Survey, and 156 residents responded to the

Consumer Survey. The surveys were conducted online using SurveyMonkey.com. The Business

survey was ten questions in length, and the Consumer Survey was eight questions in length. The

Business Survey was sent via email to Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC)

member businesses. The Consumer Survey was posted on the CVCC Facebook page and the

Newberg-Dundee Citizens Group Facebook page. A description of and a link to the survey was

also circulated in the Daily Bruin, the daily email newsletter sent out to George Fox University

students and staff.

The findings of the survey revealed that many business owners rely on local consumers’

business and are willing to support a Buy Local Program, and that local consumers would be

more willing to buy locally if they were offered more options or selection. Findings for the

Business Survey are as follows:

The majority of local business revenue comes from local residents

Many business owners believe educating residents will encourage them to buy locally

The majority of business owners support a hybrid program

91 percent of business owners think the Buy Local Program should be year-round

Many business owners would be willing to participate in community events and buy from

other businesses

90 percent believe the Buy Local Program should focus on local residents

Significant findings for the Consumer Survey are as follows:

The majority of residents shop at a local business weekly

67 percent of residents go to local restaurants, coffee shops, or wine businesses most

often

Many respondents indicated that ten percent of their monthly spending was spent locally

45 percent of respondents said local businesses do not offer enough selection

In the final open response question, many respondents said having more selection and

options would encourage them to buy locally more often

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Introduction

In anticipation of implementing a new Buy Local campaign in 2016, the Chehalem

Valley Chamber of Commerce wanted to collect information from local business owners and

local residents in order to inform how the new campaign should be designed. A previous

business-to-business program had been implemented, but the campaign did not expand beyond

the Chamber membership. The Chamber received feedback from its members that a more

comprehensive Buy Local Program that included both businesses and consumers was desired,

and the business-to-business program was terminated in anticipation of the new campaign

beginning in 2016. A senior marketing major student from George Fox University was retained

as an intern to partnership with the Chamber in conducting the research. Research began October

2015.

The objectives of the research were as follows:

1. Research other “Buy Local” programs that are successful in other communities.

2. Interview a sample of small business owners in Newberg/Dundee to gain their feedback

on the importance of a “Buy Local” campaign for their business. How are they willing to

participate (signage, special offers, etc.)?

3. Interview a sample of local residents to find out what their current habits are in relation to

buying local. What would influence their attitude to buy locally first if not already doing

so?

4. Identify any examples of programs successfully using technology to drive the success of

their program (i.e. apps)?

5. Provide recommendations as to what kind of “Buy Local” program could be successfully

implemented in the community along with suggested steps for implementation.

The population for the Business Survey was Chamber member businesses in the Newberg,

Dundee, and St. Paul areas. The population for the Consumer Survey included residents of the

Newberg, Dundee, and St. Paul areas that were over the age of 18. The population in mind was

those who would be affected by, and targeted by, the new Buy Local Program, both businesses

and residents.

The final number of surveys collected for the Business Survey was 79 responses.

Responses collected for the Consumer Survey totaled 156 responses. Incomplete responses, non-

resident responses, non-business owner responses to the Business Survey, and responses from

those under 18 were omitted from the results.

The questionnaires were developed in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and

were focused on fulfilling the prior objectives. Questions in the Business Survey focused on

collecting local business opinions and insight as well as general information on local businesses.

Questions in the Consumer Survey focused on the buying habits and influences of local

consumers, and their attitudes towards local businesses. Two drafts of each survey were written.

Their final forms were approved and implemented on December 2, 2015.

Method

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Both the Business Survey and the Consumer Survey were designed and implemented

using the SurveyMonkey.com survey tools. The surveys consisted of multiple choice, check all

that apply, agree/disagree, and open-ended response questions.

Links to the Business Survey were sent out Chamber member businesses via email,

directly from the Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Chamber were the primary target of

the survey.

The Consumer Survey was posted on the CVCC Facebook page and the Newberg-

Dundee Citizens Group Facebook page. Two Facebook users who saw the postings “shared” the

post to their friends on Facebook as well. The Consumer Survey was also posted multiple times

on the Daily Bruin, the daily email newsletter sent to George Fox University students and staff

members. The primary target of the Consumer Survey was local residents of the Newberg,

Dundee, and St. Paul areas over the age of 18.

Findings

This section will present the findings from each of the surveys as well as the secondary

research conducted on other programs. Each question from the Business Survey and the

Consumer Survey will be discussed at length, and some cross-tabulations on each survey will be

presented. Graphical representations for responses to each question will be included with the

explanation of each question. This section will begin with findings from the Business Survey,

then the Consumer Survey, and the secondary research. Limitations of the research will be

discussed. Finally, this section will end with conclusions and recommendations from the

research.

Business Survey Findings

Response Rate

There were 97 total responses to the Business Survey. Seventy-nine responses were

included in the results, and eighteen were omitted. Those responses were omitted due to not

being finished or the respondent not owning a business in the Chehalem Valley. There are over

400 Chamber member businesses. The profile of the sample is determined in Question 2, where

business types are discussed.

Results

Question 1: Are you 18 years of age or older?

All respondents included in the sample responded “Yes” to this question.

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Question 2: What type of business do you own?

Figure A.1

Thirty of the respondents indicated that they were the owner of a service business.

Service business owners made up 44 percent of the sample. Many respondents chose to specify

the type of service business they owned by selecting “Other” and writing in their answer, such a

Health/Medical. Restaurant, coffee shop, and wine business owners made up the second largest

consolidated group, at 17 percent of the sample.

This question received a high number of “Other” responses. Many of the other responses

were duplicate or similar business types, and new categories were added to Figure A.1 in order to

properly reflect the types of businesses included in the study. Originally, the question only

included the options of Restaurant/Coffee Shop/Wine, Service Business, Grocery Store,

Hardware Store, Clothing Store/Boutique/Gift Shop, or the option of Other. Respondents

included in the updated “Other” category as shown in Figure A.1 include a theater, a farm, a

supply company, two other food businesses, and a retirement community.

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Question 3: How much of your revenue comes from permanent residents, not tourists?

(Estimated).

Figure A.2

The majority of respondents indicated that all of their revenue is generated by permanent

residents. The second largest category indicated 75 percent of their revenue comes from

permanent residents. From the results of this question, it can be argued that local businesses are

highly dependent on revenue from local residents, and do not benefit much from tourism. This

conclusion is pertinent when developing the target market of the Buy Local Program.

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Question 4: Which method do you think is best for encouraging residents to buy from local

businesses first?

Figure A.3

Thirty-five percent of the respondents think that educating customers on the economic

benefits of buying locally will encourage consumers to purchase from local businesses first. In

the second largest group, 23 percent thought improving business quality would increase local

business transactions. Six of the eight respondents who answered “Other” said that increased

marketing, promotions, and awareness of local businesses would encourage residents to buy

locally. The results of this question may indicate that marketing and educational elements should

be incorporated into the new Buy Local program. In addition, initiatives and resources to

improve and market local businesses could be included in the program.

Question 5: Of the following, which program do you think would work best?

Figure A.4

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The majority of respondents support a hybrid program that motivates both businesses and

residents to buy locally. Local business owners think that it is important for both businesses and

residents to buy locally. Respondents in the “Other” category said increasing awareness or

marketing would work well, among other responses. This result reinforces the Chamber’s desire

to implement a comprehensive Buy Local program, and business owners’ support seems to be

there as well.

Question 6: Should the Buy Local program be a seasonal campaign or a year-round effort?

Figure A.5

Support was overwhelming for a year-round campaign. 91 percent of respondents

indicated they would like the Buy Local program to be a year-round effort.

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Question 7: How would your business be willing to contribute to a Buy Local program? Check

all that apply.

Figure A.6

Many businesses indicated they would be willing to participate in community events and

buy from other local businesses as part of a Buy Local program. In the “Other” category, three

respondents said they would help educate the public and other businesses, and five stated that

this question did not apply to their business. The Buy Local program should incorporate

elements and initiatives that local businesses have indicated they are willing to participate in.

Question 8: Should a Buy Local program focus on local residents, tourists, or business-to-

business transactions?

Figure A.7

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Ninety percent of respondents said the Buy Local program should focus on local

residents. Again, this reinforces the concept that local consumers are the main drivers of local

businesses and should be the primary focus of the program.

Question 9: What would you like to see out of a Buy Local program in Newberg? Feel free to

give us any suggestions, your input is valuable to creating an effective Buy Local program.

The raw responses to this question are listed in the appendix. Responses such as “Not

applicable,” “I don’t know,” “Nothing,” and nonresponses have been omitted. The responses

have been edited for spelling, capitalization, and most grammatical errors, but remain unrevised

for content. The entire list was included in this report so that the variety and specifics of each

response could be listened to and evaluated.

When generalized, many of the suggestions can be categorized into different groups. The top

categories of responses were:

Increased marketing (can include promotions, awareness of local businesses, and

advertising)

Events (business networking, community events, events like First Friday and Halloween)

Discounts/Lower Prices (includes price matching, becoming more competitive, a passport

program, and coupons)

Figure A.8 shows the responses graphically, when categorized into the aforementioned

categories:

Figure A.8

Of the categorizable responses, marketing was the most common, with ten responses

total. Five responded with events of various types, and three indicated lower prices or discounts.

The remaining “Other” category consisted of a variety of different suggestions. Many of the

responses were generic or not applicable to a Buy Local program.

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Relevant Cross-Tabulation

One cross-tabulation may offer more insight into what businesses would like out of a Buy

Local program. Responses for Question 4, Which method do you think is best for encouraging

residents to buy from local businesses first?, and Question 5, Of the following, which program do

you think would work best, were cross-tabulated. The responses to Question 4 were compared to

responses from Question 5. Of those who chose “educate customers,” what percentage also

selected “a hybrid program?” The results are shown in Figure B.1.

Figure B.1

The percentages shown in Figure B.1 show that 46 percent of those who think that

educating customers in the most effective way to encourage residents to buy locally also think

that a hybrid program would work best. The hybrid program received the most overall support in

the survey. Therefore, it may be beneficial to include educational elements in a hybrid Buy Local

program and business owners would most likely support the educational elements.

Consumer Survey Findings

Response Rate

The Consumer Survey had 177 responses in total. Of those responses, 156 were used in

the study. Nineteen responses were omitted because of ineligibility or incompletion of the

survey.

Profile of Sample

All of those included in the data indicated they were a resident of the Newberg, Dundee, or St.

Paul area and over the age of 18. The combined population of the three cities is 25,651.

Results

Question 1: Are you a resident in the Newberg, Dundee, or St. Paul areas?

All respondents included in the data indicated “Yes.”

Question 2: Are you 18 years of age or older?

All respondents included in the data responded “Yes.”

Which method do you think is best for encouraging residents to buy from local businesses first? 

Of the following, which program do you think would work best? Educating customers Community events Improving business quality Offering discounts

A business to business program

A hybrid program 46% 57% 53% 75%

A resource program 15% 29% 16% 0%

An educational program 38% 7% 26% 0%

Other (please specify) 0% 7% 5% 25%

Grand Total 100% 100% 100% 100%

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Question 3: How often do you shop at local businesses? (i.e. non-chain, locally owned

businesses).

Figure C.1

The majority of respondents indicated that they shop at local businesses at weekly.

Question 4: If you shop locally, which businesses do you shop at or buy from most often?

Figure C.2

Over 60 percent of those who said they shop locally said they buy from restaurants,

coffee shops, and wine businesses most often.

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Question 5: What is most important to you when deciding where to spend your money?

Figure C.3

Over 40 percent said that quality products were the most important to them when

deciding where to spend their money. Competitive price was the second largest response, with 28

percent indicating price. In the “Other” category, two respondents said convenience and location

was the top factor, and three said buying from local businesses was most important. In addition,

five respondents in the “Other” category said a combination of all of the above was important.

The question should have put more emphasis on choosing the “most” important factor.

Question 6: How much of your monthly spending is spent locally? (Estimated).

Figure C.4

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A large number of respondents indicated that they spend about 10 percent of their money

locally. From these results, 64 percent of the sample spends between 10 and 25 percent of their

monthly budget locally.

Question 7 included three statements that respondents were instructed to reply to with

either “Agree” or “Disagree.” The results for each statement are as follows.

Question 7a: Buying locally is too expensive.

Figure C.5

Seventy-two percent of respondents disagreed with the statement that buying locally is

too expensive. This may indicate that they think buying locally is financially possible. Twenty-

eight percent of the respondents think that buying locally is too expensive.

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Question 7b: Local businesses offer quality service and products.

Figure C.6

Eighty-eight percent of respondents agree that local businesses offer quality service and

products. It can be assumed that improving business quality will not necessarily drive more

customers to buy locally.

Question 7c: Local businesses don't offer enough selection.

Figure C.7

Forty-five percent of respondents think that local businesses do not offer enough

selection. Fifty-five percent disagreed. This question may reveal that more people do not shop

locally because there is not enough selection from local businesses, or that residents are not

aware of the selection available. With Questions 7a and 7b in mind, it can be said local

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businesses need more selection to attract more customers, not lower prices, or higher quality or

service.

Question 8: What would encourage you to shift more of your spending to local businesses? Feel

free to tell us anything that would make buying locally more attractive to you.

This question received a variety of responses. 95 of the 156 respondents wrote something

in response to this question. In order to reveal significant patterns or trends, the responses were

generalized into eight categories, shown in Figure B.8, below. The complete list of responses is

included in the appendix to this report.

Figure C.8

The largest category identified was those who responded along the lines of wanting more

selection or options from local businesses. A few of the other categories, such as desiring a

natural grocer or more mid-range restaurants, could be grouped under the topic of desiring more

selection as well. Those under the “Marketing/Promotions” category said knowing more about

what local businesses are here and what they offer would encourage them to buy locally.

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Relevant Cross-Tabulation

The following cross-tabulation compared how often respondents shopped at local

businesses with which business types they went to most often. The results are shown in Figure

D.1 (Question 3 and Question 4).

Figure D.1

It can be observed than many of those shopping weekly and monthly at local businesses are

going to restaurants, coffee shops, and wine businesses. When comparing types of businesses

shopped at with percentage of monthly spending (Question 4 and Question 6, shown in Figure

D.2), there is a result similar to Figure D.1. The table can be read as, “where do those who spend

X percent locally shop most often?” For example, 46 of the 64 respondents who spend 10

percent locally each month do so at restaurants, coffee shops, and wine businesses.

Figure D.2

It can be observed that restaurants, coffee shops, and wine businesses are shopped at often, but

contribute little of the local population’s monthly spending. There is an opportunity to shift more

of the community’s spending to other local businesses, such as grocers, service businesses, and

gift shops.

Type of Business 10 percent 25 percent 50 percent Almost none More than 50 percent

Clothing Stores/Boutiques/Gift Stores 4 3 1

Grocery Stores 7 6 8 2 7

Hardware 2 2 1

Other (please specify) 5 1 1 1

Restaurants/Coffee Shops/Wine 46 24 11 13 6

Service Businesses 2

Grand Total 64 34 20 19 17

Percentage of monthly spending spent locally

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Secondary Research

Many “Buy Local” initiatives implemented by Chambers of Commerce across the US fall

into one of the following five categories. Each category offers a framework for organizing and

implementing a program. However, there is room for customization in order to best fit each

community and objective. No two Buy Local programs are identical.

Business-to-Business Program

Emphasizes shifting business to business purchases to local businesses

“Look Local” first, because local businesses can be competitive

Encourages members to shift 5% of spending to local businesses

Understands not all business can be local

Incentive for taking pledge to shift 5% of spending to local: being featured and promoted

by Chamber

Focuses on positive economic impacts of shifting spending to local businesses

Ex.: Greater Des Moines

Collaborative Membership Program

Focuses on both residents’ and businesses’ participation

Membership based

o sometimes must buy a membership for a fee

o “buy-in” program for both businesses and consumers

Exchange membership/pledge/fee for benefits

o Businesses given resources and marketing, participation in events, promotions,

and programs

o Individuals get discounts and coupons at local businesses

Encourages businesses and residents to shift a portion of their spending to local

businesses

Ex.: Fayette County, Blairsville Union County, Portland ME

Promotional Education Program

Focuses on educating the public on the benefits of buying local

Partner with local media outlets such as TV and radio stations and newspapers

Educate the community on reasons to buy local through advertising and promotions

Educates and offers training for small businesses – Small Business Development Center

Educates businesses on reasons to buy local, how to better do business

Ex.: Douglas County (Georgia) Program

Member Resource Program

Chamber acts as a resource to local businesses

Offers training, expos, conferences, and individual feedback

Chamber organizes community events, networking opportunities

Chamber markets local businesses and offers marketing resources and training

Chamber takes political action for members and backs political candidates and initiatives

that benefit local business members

Referral program for business to business transactions as well as business to consumer

transactions

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Offers recognition and awards to outstanding members

Ex.: Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Passport Program

Similar to membership program, but without fees

“Passports” given to consumers

Passports are stamped at local businesses

Businesses offer discounts to passport holders

Customers are entered into drawings for having a certain amount of stamps

Apps and Technology

There are currently a handful of iPhone and Android applications built specifically for

Buy Local programs. They offer directories, coupons, maps, and prices for local businesses.

However, each app is usually specifically developed for a single city or community. Some of the

apps listed in the Apple Store are Woodbridge – Buy Local; Buy Local Chesapeake; Buy Local

Reno, Sparks, and Green Business Chamber; Buy Local PA; Keep It Querque – Buy Local; and

Buy Local Winter Park. None of the apps that are not tailored for specific communities are

popular, well-rated, or easy to use. The app Buy Local! has ratings saying it is nearly unusable.

Existing and popular apps and technologies such as Yelp and Facebook business pages may be

the most economical and effective tools to use if the Chamber does not wish to develop its own

app. Yelp and Facebook pages can list reviews, prices, hours, locations, and products and

services offered. Yelp has roughly 89 million monthly mobile users and 79 million monthly

desktop users (Yelp.com).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Limitations

There are a few limitations to this research. The reader should note that the results of this

survey come from a convenience sample taken in the Newberg, Dundee, and St. Paul areas, and

that survey was conducted solely online and through social media and email. Budget, time, and

resource constraints limited the sample that could be collected, and limited the ability to

assemble focus groups and pretest the questionnaire which would have been preferable. Further

research could be done into the opinions and attitudes of local residents and businesses. Care

should be taken when generalizing this research to the population.

Conclusions

According to the results of the survey, the new Buy Local program should be a hybrid

program that focuses on educating customers about the selection and options available to them at

local businesses. The majority of business owners expressed support for a hybrid program, and

believe that educating customers and increasing marketing to customers are the most effective

ways of encouraging more local support of businesses. Consumers in the area support local

businesses, but many have expressed their desire for more selection and options from local

businesses. Educating them on the options that are available to them may encourage them to

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shop locally more often and for a wider variety of products. Therefore, the Buy Local program

should include the following elements:

A dedicated, consistent marketing campaign directed at consumers

Informative and educational advertisements that tell consumers what is available

locally

Resources for local businesses to implement their own marketing

Community and Networking events, like First Friday and CVCC Greeters

The overall finding of the Consumer Survey is that consumers feel like there is not

enough selection in town, or they are unaware of the selection available. For example, one

respondent expressed their desire for a local fruit and produce option in town, presumably

unaware of the existence of Ray’s Produce. Many other respondents responded similarly, stating

they wanted more options and selection and that they are sometimes unaware of what is offered

locally.

The Business Survey revealed that local business owners want local customers to know

more about them and be aware of what is available. Marketing and advertisements addressing

this issue may be a viable option to drive more customers to local businesses first. In addition,

the growing prevalence of social media, online advertising, and the need for an online presence

for businesses should be taken into account.

Implementation

The following is a general implementation plan for the new Buy Local program.

1. Collaborate with local businesses (and perhaps local marketing agencies or designers) to

develop a consistent brand, logo, and design for the Buy Local program

2. Develop advertisements (posters, social media, TV) that focus on the selection and

quality available locally

3. Encourage businesses to interact online, through sites such as Yelp, keeping information

up to date and informative to potential customers

4. Create channels for customer feedback and inform customers of them (social media)

5. Develop routines for regular and consistent marketing of local businesses

6. Continually implement advertisements and marketing of the Buy Local campaign

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Appendix

Business Owners’ Raw Responses to Question 9

Constant reminders

Events that highlight various type of businesses monthly

More consistent traffic and support from residents.

Incentives and discounts to try products and services

I would love to see a program or something that encourages citizens to buy local and how

it helps the community.

I think the current buy local signs are great. I think during a few key times of the year the

program should have a larger push. I would personally like to see more local referral

business

In the Chamber newsletter, have a small spot on some of the smaller businesses, like

cottage business.

I have seen buy local passports in other communities that highlight and incentivize

people to shop local. This could be industry specific or general broad based in concept.

A get to know your local businesses meet and greet similar to the Wednesday market

We do need to improve our convenience, variety and diversity of businesses focusing on

getting people to Newberg to spend their money. Look at 3rd Street in Mac. Several

good restaurants, walkable, variety of other shops, etc.

Buy Local advertising placards and stickers.

Coordination with other efforts already in place. Like the Newberg Downtown

Merchants, Rotary, etc.

Everyone working together for the common good of our community

Campaigns which continue to focus on the "buy local" campaign

Fun events

Save time, save money by buying local, help to strengthen the local business community.

By supporting local development we become more viable and connected as a business

unit

Price matching out-of-market products.

Business growth

Ongoing citywide marketing to all residents and businesses. A one- time announcement

or a poster in a window is relatively worthless

Define local... If a business contributes to the community in a positive and impactful way

than I would consider it local, even if headquarters were not in Newberg or even Oregon.

If your program considers only companies whose headquarters are in Newberg than I

would consider it flawed and not participate at all.

It can sometimes seem forced, provincial, or contrived. I mean we might roast coffee in

Newberg, but we can't grow it here. Also, I sell most of my product out of state - if my

other markets went all local I'd lose. I celebrate open markets! I love bananas! But I'll

gladly work with local suppliers if they are competitive. It is a fine line and I worry that it

can seem unenlightened when pushed too hard.

Buy local advertising program sponsored by the chamber

More events like at Halloween. I saw companies while out walking I'd never noticed

before

Templates for programs already exist, do not reinvent wheel

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Yes, it is always nice to keep funds in the community.

Community events hit a variety of objectives and targets - locals, tourists, businesses and

offer a good time as well.

What is available and their story

That Newberg is a VERY friendly place to live and shop.

Discounts, incentives, maybe a local coupon book or "passport that can get stamps at

local businesses and then be redeemed for something.

I think it all boils down to business familiarity. Knowing what local businesses offer is

key to getting folks in the door. Sometimes even locals aren't acquainted with local

businesses

Consumers’ Raw Responses to Question 8

Prices aren't competitive enough. It shouldn't cost more to buy something that's grown

down the street.

variety of shops

I really wish that Newberg could have a New Seasons or Natural Grocers because I

would shop there all the time rather than having to drive outside of my town to buy good

products.

A local produce/fruit option in town. Lower prices at coffee shops.

The pricing seems absurd to me. As a college student I can't afford to buy local as much

as I would like to.

More convenience

Having the selection and pricing of Fred Meyers

Providing excellent customer service with quality products. Having a open house day

with specials & downtown businesses to bring customers into your store

More advertisement so I know they are there!

Better access to local businesses with desirable products

Allow the free market to work. Lower taxes and decrease city funds spent.

Fine as is!

If they had more options when buying. I love getting coffee and food in town, but when it

comes to shopping I am more likely to head to a chain store because I know they will

carry exactly what I am looking for.

Having more main brand items in grocery stores.

More mid-price range, good quality but not fine dining restaurants.

More affordable for students

Better parking options

If downtown was more pedestrian friendly

Easy parking is biggest issue for me, prices are second. We utilize the hardware store

and Ixtapa frequently, and would like to visit the bakery more, but hard to get parking

anywhere near it. Also like Pulp and Circumstance and Ruddick/Wood, but can't afford

them very often.

More locally owned businesses

Wider selection of locally owned stores within Newberg (grocery stores, markets. etc.)

If local businesses were competitive in price.

Increased consumer awareness. (More marketing towards local consumers).

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A local business advert sent monthly containing specials for many local businesses and

telling more about them.

cost

price

Availability of more opportunities, that is, more local business

I want a butcher and bread store in town

It is slightly expensive for a college student's budget

More accessible, Cheaper products

More of a variety of stores-crafts, clothes, good restaurants, etc.

More variety

In some instances, more affordable prices such as at a clothing/retail store.

a reasonable and frequent public transit system. There currently isn't one with enough

coverage or frequency to use to get around town.

I honestly don't shop very often. I buy books on amazon and that’s most of my spending.

If I were in a different stage of life I’d go local

More advertisements, open on Sundays for those who only have Sundays off work

More family friendly restaurants--local restaurants that are like Red Robin (indoor booth

seating with high chairs, inexpensive prices, kid's cuisine, and ambient noise) in Newberg

would be really nice

Maybe more selection... it's hard to compete with the diversity of products that

somewhere like Fred Meyer offers... that's where I end up doing most of my shopping,

but it's pretty much a matter of convenience.

I would shop for groceries if I knew more about the farmers market

Easier parking downtown

An awareness of what the local businesses have that is better than big businesses; for

example, I didn't know Pulp & Circumstance sold candy. I want to be aware of what local

businesses have so I don't have to go to big businesses to fulfill what I need.

Better selection of local businesses.(IE: More store selections in downtown area) Local

businesses with good reputation. Local businesses with good prices. Local businesses that

don't close at 5PM or 6PM.

Convenient parking

Cheaper prices

Cheaper prices but I understand their cost is higher and need to make a profit, I'm just a

broke college kid unfortunately

Lower price but it's worth it in the long run

Greater variety, lower prices. I like the convenience but prices and variety are a deal

breaker.

more variety of businesses. The ones we do have are fine but we could use a few different

businesses

Cheaper prices, more options.

More convenience, it is difficult to get to the downtown area because of the highway and

then there is no parking. The hassle deters me from buying locally

Cheaper

As a George fox student I do not have a car on campus. I would go out and shop more if I

knew that there was sales or special deals going on. If there was a way to find out I would

make the walk.

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The majority of my weekly spending is on food. I shop at a chain because the local store

cannot exceed it on any of the three criteria i.e. price, service, selection. - and one would

be all it would take for me.

Broader range of products

more selection-clothing, lingerie, mid-price restaurants, antiques, bookstores

I think knowing about what's around would help.

Local products sold whenever possible

expanded business hours and variation in options of businesses- like better restaurant

options.

I don't buy big ticket items locally (electronics, appliances, furniture) due to a bad return

policy experience - large chain stores offer better return/exchange

We need a local high end grocer. I want to know where my produce and meats are

coming from

More diverse businesses.

More services and goods available. Higher quality. Convenience. I will go to Starbucks

as soon as it opens because they have high quality, large selection and consistency in

their product and service is always excellent.

more options. wine is covered. cute clothing is covered. we need more variety and more

catering to locals instead of winos.

More available at one location, naps is too expensive and doesn't have a good selection or

quality of product

More cost efficient

more retail stores ie: clothes, shoes (only one boutique in town), food (ex: trader joes)

Improve selections!

Better advertising. Their voice is being drowned out by big business and online shopping.

Our local coffee/wine shops are great, but the food in the area is less desirable.

Organic, artisanal pizza/pub, Whole Foods,

More options

Natural foods store with bulk selections. Gluten-free and soy free foods

Prices being slightly lower

More organic options

More variety

Quality products, greater selection

More upscale establishments.

Quality products--restaurants and grocery.

More variety of the type of stores

Some better restaurants, clothing options other than Fred Meyer & as much as I like the

Francis family it would be nice to have more options than going to Sherwood.

Lower prices, more variety in types of local businesses

Already spend what i can. Occasional shop elsewhere, but try to keep local to at least

small

Walking distance to my home

I wouldn't expect them to lower their prices, but times are tight for us so we have no

choice but to shop around for lower prices.

Cash mobs, sales, extended shopping hours

More /easier access to downtown. Downtown Newberg needs to learn from Mac

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Better customer service and prices.

More affordable prices, nice family affordable restaurants

A more fun shopping experience, such as several shops in a row. And more great food!

Parking

Something fun to do

A real understanding if what is local, I own a local business and people class Starbucks

as local because it's from WA, I class local 's someone who lives in my neighborhood

I would like to see more diverse restaurants in town

Better choice, and price