Local business co-op promoting shopping local seeks new leadership

Maybe you’ve seen the blue circle stickers on local business with the phrase “GO LOCAL” or watched a community member pull out a blue card with the same messaging while making a purchase at a local business.

The network behind this movement, Sonoma County GO LOCAL, has long aimed to encourage the community to keep their dollars close to home when shopping.

The co-op has worked since 2010 to put local businesses first and is now looking for new leadership to continue the movement.

“It’s such a wonderful, needed movement but I’ve decided I’m going to make a change in my professional life,” said director Janeen Murray, who has participated in GO LOCAL events since the early days. She has served as the group’s director since 2018.

Murray said she’s hoping to find either an individual or organization to fill her role and manage the co-op’s membership and media marketing resources that are offered to all small business members.

New leadership would also take over the co-op’s Made Local Magazine, Pocket Guide, Holiday Gift Guide, social media and other advertising collaborations.

“This is an opportunity to make the co-op better and I think it’s an opportunity to reshape the offerings and structure of GO LOCAL,” Murray said.

There are multiple requirements a business must meet before it can be an official member, such as having headquarters in Sonoma County with a majority of owners living in the county as well.

The co-op currently has over 400 local member businesses and organizations who can turn to GO LOCAL for assistance with marketing efforts. The organization also has a rewards program where community members can receive special discounts at participating businesses when they obtain a free GO LOCAL card.

Murray said interested parties can reach out until Aug. 15 so that planning for 2025 can begin. She said the organization has already had some people express interest in the job.

“These businesses need the support,” Murray said. “It’s an incredible project our local community needs.”

You can reach Staff Writer Sara Edwards at 707-521-5487 or sara.edwards@pressdemocrat. com. On Twitter @sedwards380.