NORFOLK, Neb (KTIV/US92) -
The City Education Association in Norfolk, Nebraska, has launched a new campaign and partnership with the local business community that focuses on the importance buying local.
The new campaign is called "Local First Norfolk" and a large crowd was on hand for its launch Tuesday.
The goal is to create a stronger bond between the school and local businesses in order to build a stronger local economy.
In Madison County, alone, there are more than 1,600 public school employees which equates to an annual payroll of just over $57-million going into the communities.
With those figures in mind, local leaders are calling on educators and the general public to consider the great benefits of buying goods and services locally. LeAnn Widhalm, NCEA President, says, "That will really help the local businesses in town. And, if they have money then they can employ people which also brings money into town. And, with this, taxes are paid by the businesses and thus the tax money will benefit the schools."
To go along with the campaign, Norfolk Public Schools has been working with students in technology programs to create business spotlight videos. In the short segments, students record interviews with business leaders asking them questions about their business and how buying locally impacts them. Norfolk is one of 5 communities in the state that is participating in the new project.
