THE Southern Downs Regional Council's Economic Development Team has been working on a Shop Local Campaign for the major centres of Stanthorpe and Warwick.

"Invitations to local businesses have been sent and Council is looking forward to launching the branding for the Shop Local Campaigns", said Tony Minuti, Director of Community Services.

"Reference groups, made up of local Business Owners were set up in Stanthorpe and Warwick to provide feedback on what the logo and campaign should entail.

"The launches are to get businesses excited about shopping locally and how this campaign can benefit their business.

"The main aim of the launch is to increase the spending with local business suppliers in the Southern Downs Region.

"We want to encourage businesses to purchase their product locally - from their peers - we call this 'Business to Business Marketing' (B2B).

"It is a vital part of maintaining our local economy by increasing the proportion of spend retained in each town", he said.

Council has engaged Debra Young from Boom Merchandising, a successful businesswoman both in Australia and overseas, to inspire and engage businesses on the benefits of a Shop Local Campaign.

"Council's Economic Development Team are committed to supporting development and investment within the Region and are happy to provide information and advice to help local businesses expand and grow", concluded Tony Minuti.

To RSVP for the Shop Local launch in either Warwick (4 October 2011) or Stanthorpe (5 October 2011) please phone Council on 4681 5527 or email sue.organ@southerndowns.qld.gov.au.