Hi Buy Local family! Somehow, Buy Local’s final lunch of 2023 is happening next week. Where precisely did this year go?

Last year around this time, we heard from Buy Local’s immediate past president, Michelle Rouzer, here on this blog. Michelle announced Buy Local’s new branding and website and gave thoughtful insight into the improvements our organization was making to better serve our members. This year, I’m delighted to report on several initiatives our board and committee members have been hard at work on to further this goal in 2023:

1. New Membership Offerings
2. Ways to Connect Beyond Lunch
3. 25th Anniversary Campaign

Let’s review in more detail, shall we?

1. New Membership Offerings

In addition to the Classic membership you know and love, which will still be priced at $225 ($175 for nonprofit members) in 2024, our board is excited to announce two NEW membership packages. Buy Local’s Spotlight and Spotlight Premium memberships include all of the Classic perks plus some new promotional offerings.

Spotlight Membership

This upgraded membership has all the benefits of the Classic Membership, plus:

• Logo featured on the monthly newsletter
• Logo recognition in the monthly Lunch Slideshow
• Two complimentary tickets all Early Edition & Happy Hour events
• Featured banner ad on our website

Spotlight Premium Membership

This is Buy Local’s most exclusive membership, ever. Seriously, it’s so special that we’re limiting it to 10 members. Spotlight Premium includes all the benefits of the Spotlight Membership, along with:

• Logo prominently displayed on our website
• Featured highlight in our monthly Lunch Slideshow
• Opportunity to cohost a lunch* (Two lunch tickets included. *This perk is first come, first serve, so sign up now!)

2. Ways to Connect Beyond Lunch

You, our members, have given us some extremely helpful feedback about the types of networking opportunities you’re looking for beyond our signature monthly lunches. This year, we’ve continued to grow Buy Local’s Early Edition and Happy Hour event series, debuted a new Pop Up series, and tested a new pilot networking program where members can connect, share advice and resources, and refer new business to one another in a smaller group setting. Stay tuned for the official launch of this new Buy Local networking opportunity in 2024 (or if you can’t wait to hear all about it, email [email protected] for more information).

3. 25th Anniversary Campaign

2024 is going to be a big year for Buy Local—our organization is turning 25! A special committee is already working to make sure 2024 is Buy Local’s best year yet—and that we have the party of the year to celebrate this silver anniversary. We’ll be sharing more details with you in the coming months, so stay tuned.

It has been my sincere honor to serve as Buy Local’s president this year, and I look forward to one more lunch and a fantastic holiday party (details coming SOON!) with you all before my leadership term draws to a close. Thank you.

–Kendra DeMoura, 2023 Buy Local President