Renourish

When I was in Iraq a couple of years ago, I read an article about a local business in Reno I used to frequent that was closing shop.  In it’s place was going to be a Subway or something else equally as generic and depressing. And then another story about a local business shutting down. And another.

Local business are what makes communities unique. Local businesses give more to the community. Local businesses in Reno are constantly under attack by franchises.

After traveling I’ve seen many places have movements/campaigns that urge it’s residents to buy local. My favorite (second to the one I’m about to present) is San Diego’s S.L.O.B “Supporting Locally-Owned Business”.

After doing some brainstorming techniques I came across the perfect name for our campaign: Renourish. That’s exactly what we are doing when we patronize local business, we are “feeding” our community and making it grow.

From there I started on the logo:

As you can see the word “Renourish” is in stylized letters that accentuate “Reno” and  is paired with two upside-down Nevada symbols which represents a home, the feeling local businesses create.

To give the logo some variation and flexibility I chose a variety of fun bold colors, as well as a different layout.

My original plan was to approach businesses with a “toolbox” of materials, making them the brand stewards and giving them the means of spreading the idea.

A toolbox would include: a certification sticker to put in their front window, brochures on what Renourish is and the importance of local business, bumper stickers, a t-shirt and some screen-printed posters that could be placed on community boards.

The certification sticker (Photo by Terrie Leighton)

The screenprint posters.

People can “flaunt” their support for local business when the business puts they’re goods in a Renourish shopping bag.

Another idea would be a partnership with the RGJ.com to interview local business owners. I feel that interviewing the owner, instead of just doing a business profile, gives depth and a “human face” to a local business.

So why should we care about local business? I hate to answer a question with another question but what if the AwfulAwful was replaced by another McDonald’s? If Blue Moon was replaced by another Domino’s? Rose’s by ANOTHER Subway?

This can’t happen! We can’t afford to lose another Butcher Boy or a Dreamer’s Coffee. Local business is essential to not only a healthy economy but a diverse culture. It’s time to raise awareness and educate each other about this.

If you are interested in making this project happen, contact me through the website. It’s time to Renourish!