News

Lorry Erickson of Warrens is the new coordinator of the I Buy MoCo campaign. Launched in June 2009, the campaign is designed to encourage Monroe County residents to shift 10 percent of their current out-of-county purchases to local businesses.

“We’re not asking consumers to spend more money, but to make more of their purchases locally. By shifting more of our spending to businesses here in Monroe County, we’ll be helping our communities grow and taking an active role in creating a stronger economy for everyone,” Erickson said.

The I Buy MoCo campaign was created by the Monroe County Economic Development and Tourism Committee in response to a University of Wisconsin-Extension survey that showed Monroe County businesses are losing $41 million in potential taxable sales to out-of-county businesses.

“The goal of the campaign is to bring 10 percent of retail purchases made outside of the county back to Monroe County. Doing so will increase sales an estimated $5.5 million. According to the study, shifting just 10 percent of purchases back to Monroe County will increase employment by 100 employees, increase personal incomes by $3.5 million and increase municipal tax revenues more than $700,000,” Erickson said.

To help residents learn more about the variety of businesses and services available in Monroe County, the committee created a website at www.ibuymoco.com. The website lists participating businesses free of charge.

County residents can take the “I Buy MoCo” pledge on the website and will receive a key fob that shows they are supporting local businesses. Many of the businesses offer special deals – or “hot buys” – to individuals who have taken the pledge.

“This is something that we all can do to help our communities grow without any additional cost because it’s money we’re already spending, but that we’re spending elsewhere,” Erickson said.

Erickson is the owner of Erickson Productions, a free-lance writing and marketing service. Before starting her own company, Erickson served as the director of the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens for 5 years.

Previously, Erickson was an associate editor at Country magazine and a regional editor of The Country Today newspaper. Erickson is married to Jack Potter and resides on the Potter family’s cranberry marsh east of Warrens.

For more information about I Buy MoCo or to take the campaign pledge, visit www.ibuymoco.com or write to P.O. Box 704, Tomah, WI 54660.

3-1-2010