Portland's local business are banding together in tough economic times, and in support of these efforts, Portland Buy Local has created the "Be Passionate for Portland: Buy Local" campaign for the month of February!

Those who shop at participating Buy Local member businesses will get a special "valentine"...a valuable packet of coupons for free products, discounts and more from close to thirty Portland Buy Local members!

Keep your eye out around town for the beautiful new poster created by member Amy Teh of local design firm "Pinecone & Chickadee". A list of participating businesses can be found at www.portlandbuylocal.org.

A recent survey of independent businesses in Portland found that "Buy Local" is on the minds of many shoppers and this additional support is proving critical as local businesses try to weather one of the country's worst economic contractions.

In a survey of 57 Portland Buy Local member businesses conducted in January, 79% reported that the campaign had a positive impact on their business and 68% said that they had gained new customers as a result of it. Those numbers are up from a similar survey two years ago in which 60% reported that their business had been positively impacted and 40% said they had gained new customers.

Since its start in 2006, Portland Buy Local's membership has grown to 240 local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The group's mission is to build awareness of why independent businesses are essential to the health of Portland's local economy and community. For more information about Portland Buy Local, including an online directory of member businesses and organizations, visit www.portlandbuylocal.org.