Million Dollar Shuffle Fact Sheet
GET THE FACTS ABOUT THE SHUFFLE
Frequently Asked Questions about the Million Dollar Shuffle Program
Coordinated by the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce
Why was the Million Dollar Shuffle campaign created?
The campaign was created as a job retention strategy. By spending dollars locally rather than out-of-area, it has a direct impact on the local economy. We can keep local jobs if we can retain spending. It is just as valuage to re-capture a million dollars leaving our area as it is to bring a new million dollars into the area.
Who is sponsoring the campaign?
The Million Dollar Shuffle campaign is sponsored by the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce led by its Healthy Economy Action Team.
What is the goal of the campaign?
Our ultimate goal is to shift $1,000,000 currently spent by businesses on goods and services outside of the area to vendors and service providers within our area. We would like to achieve this goal by October 31, 2008.
Are the results being tracked?
Yes. We will work with our pledge companies to track the success of this campaign.
How do you define 'local' business?
We consider a 'local business' as one that provides jobs to Petoskey area residents. The best rule of thumb is to consider it a local business if it is within the region where Petoskey residents can easily commute to work.
How can I help?
You can help by pledging to shift some of your current out-of-area purchases of goods or services back to the local community, or by making new purchases with local vendors. Whether you shift a lot or a little, everything helps.
What if the things I need can't be purchased locally?
Not everything can be purchased locally and that's okay. We're not asking businesses to shift all of their spending back to this region. Instead we're asking them to look down their expense sheet to see which purchases are practical to be made at the local level.
What if buying locally means paying a higher price for goods and services?
That's your call. Sometimes the local price isn't always the lowest, and we don't expect you to pay more for goods and services unless you perceive that the value outweighs the price difference. However, the HEAT Committee hopes you will as least give local vendors a chance to pitch their products or services to you. Sometimes all they need is to get a foot in the door to show just how competitive they can be.
What if it's a product or service I've not purchased in the past, will that count as a "shuffle" if I purchase that product or service locally?
Yes, especially if you received bids or considered making the purchase outside of the area. Those are dollars that are staying in the area that could have been shuffled away.
How do I find a local vendor to cover my needs?
You can contact the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce for referrals or visit their website at www.petoskey.com. In the future, you will be able to use the RFP section of the Chamber's website which will be available soon.
