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TOOLS & HOW-TO

Big Box Tool Kit - Another ILSR web site that provides a variety of tools to help citizens both beat the big boxes and chart a new course for economic development in their communities.

Books & Films - Our recommended reading and watching list.

Buy Local Slide Show - Examples of how communities are promoting the importance of supporting locally owned businesses.

Economic Impact Studies – Summaries of a variety of studies that have examined the impact of chain stores and the benefits of locally owned businesses.

How Big is Too Big? – Visual illustration of different store sizes, ranging from Main Street retailers to supercenters. Download as a one-page flyer for distribution.

How to Launch a Community-Owned Store
Citizens in a number of towns have formed community corporations, raised capital through local stock issues, and opened their own department stores.

How to Start a Buy Local Campaign
Buy local campaigns are changing people's shopping habits in cities across the country. Learn how to launch one in your community.

Legislative Platform to Strengthen America's Independent Businesses - We invite organizations and candidates for local, state, and national races to sign their names to this platform of initiatives to protect locally-owned businesses.

Organizations - Where to go for additional information and assistance.

Store Size Cap Policy Kit
This resources is from ILSR's Big Box Tool Kit web site. The kit includes a model ordinance, examples of cities that have enacted size caps, answers to common questions, key arguments in support of the approach, sample flyers, and other educational materials.

Why Support Locally Owned Businesses? – Our top ten reasons why locally owned businesses are critical to your community's well-being and economic vitality. Download as a one-page flyer for distribution.