Why Think Local?

Pacific Wave just became a proud member of THINK LOCAL FIRST in Santa Cruz. This coalition of Independent and Locally Owned businesses came together around a common concern: the global trend of proliferating chain stores and easy online shopping. In an era where downtown shopping districts increasingly fall victim to homogenous chains and franchises, they collectively recognized the need to promote and strengthen our locally owned business community.

Think Local First – County of Santa Cruz formed around a mission to "promote and sustain economic vitality while preserving the unique character of Santa Cruz County." If the community rallies around locally owned businesses, everyone benefits: locally owned business prosper and circulate money within the community, which in turn promotes more local spending, benefits local infrastructure, and maintains a vibrant and healthy community.

What's Spent Here, Stays Here
Locally owned businesses spend their profits locally, purchase more goods from local suppliers, and employ their own office and support staff.

Get More for Your Money
When more money gets re-circulated in the community, general prosperity as well as tax revenues increase, creating a more vibrant and sustainable economy.

Local Businesses Offer Unique Character
A wide variety of locally owned businesses contributes to a stronger local identity and cultural diversity, creating an attractive place to live and visit.

Neighborly
Because they focus primarily on local markets, locally owned businesses tend to be smaller and place a high premium on being easily accessible by local residents. This cuts down on car travel and promotes sustainable neighborhood economies while at the same time avoids high public expenses for shopping center infrastructure costs. Business owners, who live in town, take better care of the environment, participate in public life, and donate generously to local charities.