TULSA, OK January 27, 2010 – As foodservice professionals we understand the importance of buying locally sourced and organic foods. Supporting local farmers and limiting food transportation helps reduce harmful emissions and takes a step toward saving the environment. But what about non-food items like restaurant equipment and smallwares? Is buying those items locally important too?

Across the nation so many small businesses are closing. According to the Tulsa Area Independent Business Alliance, $45 of every $100 spent at a locally owned establishment stays in the local economy. Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 Project, said if half of the employed U.S. population spends $50 a month in small, independent businesses, they would generate $42.6 billion in a year. And out of every $100 spent at independent retailers, Baxter said $68 returns to that local economy through employees’ salaries, various taxes and local bank transactions.

Money spent in Oklahoma stays in Oklahoma. Keeping money at home and patronizing local restaurants lowers unemployment and the need for increased taxes and inflated government programs. On January 13th, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett encouraged everyone at a meeting at the Tulsa Convention Center to buy locally to keep sales tax revenues in Tulsa to support the Police and Fire departments. In the meantime, he's scrambling to come up with an alternative agreement which would rescind the 147 layoff notices to firefighters issued last week by the city.

Buying locally will prevent more independent restaurants from closing. Curtis Restaurant Supply owner Jay Gulick supports the home team. Mr. Gulick comments, "Supporting our local economy is one of the biggest things we can do to make an immediate economic impact." Mr. Hillin adds, "Local companies want, and need your business. Many companies offer incentives for buying local. Curtis offers free local delivery for many of our customers."

So the next time you order supplies for your kitchen from a non-local source, think of what is best for your business, your customers and your local economy.

About Curtis Restaurant Supply
Headquartered in Tulsa, and with a sales office in Oklahoma City, Curtis Restaurant Supply provides superior products and services to foodservice professionals with independently owned and national chain restaurants, hospitals, casinos, churches, schools, military and healthcare facilities. In 2008, Curtis was recognized as having the second highest growth rate among the top 100 foodservice equipment dealers in the U.S. by a national trade publication. The Tulsa area showroom is open to the public 6 days a week. For more information about Curtis Restaurant Supply, contact Curtis Price at 918-622-7390 or visit www.curtisequipment.com.

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