Frequently Asked Questions

What is the I GET IT!  in Faribault campaign?
We are asking residents, business owners, local governments and local organizations to take a look at their purchasing habits and pledge to shift 10% or more of their current out-of-area purchases back to Faribault businesses. You don’t have to spend any more, just more dollars locally. Your commitment will help our community grow, and you can take pride in knowing that you are taking an active role in creating a stronger economy for everyone.

Why was the I GET IT!  in Faribault Campaign created?
The campaign was created by the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce ant Tourism in response to a University of Minnesota study that showed Faribault area businesses were losing over $100 million in potential taxable sales to businesses outside our area. This campaign is an effort to raise awareness of the problem and reverse the trend.

What is the goal of the campaign?
Our ultimate goal is to increase local purchases by $10 million or more. We’ll do this by increasing public awareness about the advantages of buying from local businesses and promoting area businesses. We hope to not only improve the bottom line for these businesses, but also to improve the local economy overall.

What is the potential economic impact?
According to the U of M, we are currently losing over $100 million in sales to businesses outside of our area. Shifting 10% of that back to the Faribault area will increase sales $10 million. Dollars spent locally tend to “multiply” through additional expenditures. The University estimates that dollars spent on local retail purchases circulate through the community at least 1.5 times. Thus, the economic impact would be over $15 million.

Are the results being tracked?
We will track the number of pledges and the estimated dollar amount of the commitment. We will recognize the people and businesses who pledge to GET IT!  in Faribault. And we will track total Faribault sales improvements through the Department of Revenue reports.

How do you define a “local” business?
We consider any business with operations in the Faribault area to be local. Businesses located here, whether independently owned or part of a national chain, employ local people, contribute to our tax base, and donate to our charitable causes.

What is the potential impact on the community?
There is tremendous potential! New jobs will be created. Businesses will grow and prosper. New businesses will come to town. Our tax base will increase, providing more dollars for public services – roads, parks, schools, etc. – without a tax increase. More dollars will be available for charitable causes. The list goes on and on! The impact is tremendous!

How can I help?
Just pledge to shift 10% of your current out-of-area purchases back into the local community! Whether you purchase $100 or $100,000 worth of goods annually, you will make a difference! Let us know you’re participating by completing the I GET IT!  in Faribault pledge form, and encourage your friends, family members and business associates to do the same.

What’s in it for me?
First, a stronger community with more opportunity; a better quality of life. You’ll also have a chance to win great prizes and can even receive special offers from participating businesses!

How do I find a local vendor for the products and services I need?
Start with the list of Faribault Business Directory. It lists businesses by company name and business category. Check out the HOT DEALS section for special offers. Shop any Faribault Area business of your choice.

What if I still can’t find what I need?
We are not asking you to spend all your money in town, just more than you are currently spending. We realize that not all products and services are available locally, and that people like to shop elsewhere from time to time. In fact, we’re only asking you to switch 10% of your current out-of-area purchases back to Faribault area businesses. That should be easy. And it should help local businesses provide more products and services in the future.

This is something you can do to help your community grow without any additional cost because it is money you’re already spending, elsewhere.

Where you spend your money IS somebody else’s business!