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Be Loyal, Buy Local - www.LocalGoods.org
In 2002 the Appalachian RC&D Council made a commitment to purchase whenever possible items grown, crafted and made in the region. The Board felt that they could increase the impact of their projects by truly supporting local businesses and farms. After developing an extensive list of suppliers ranging from fresh meat, produce, lumber, textiles and arts & crafts, etc. they realized they had just scratched the surface. In order to really make an impact the information that had been gathered needed to be shared with the public.

Above: Bill Snodgrass - Office of Congressman Bill Jenkins, Charles Brooks - USDA Rural Development, Paul C. Monk - Appalachian RC&D Council Chair, Roy Settle - Coordinator, Appalachian RC&D Council.

Left: Ken Givens - Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner

In December 2004 www.LocalGoods.org was born. For the initial launch the site focused on those items suitable for holiday giving. Since that time the list has grown to over 150 vendors making and selling goods like brick, pressure treated lumber, locally sewn T-shirts, fabric tote bags, hand-made canoes, fly rods, violins, soft drinks, produce and much more.

The Council received a USDA Rural Development – RBEG (Rural Business Enterprise Grant) to update the website and launch a marketing campaign. Funds are being sought to add to the regional database that extends to neighboring RC&D area and launch a large scale media campaign. Vendors can enter their data online to create their free listing at the website. Response from product makers and shoppers has been positive as we connect our communities.