Stay Local!

“We are cultivating conscious consumers,” says Dana Eness, executive director of Stay Local. That is only part of what the online business directory does however.

Stay Local formed in 2003 as a project of the Urban Conservancy in response to the frequent “development by surprise” of big-box chain stores in the city. Eness, as well as the founding board members, recognized that there was a lack of public input in development projects, which continually placed local businesses at an economic disadvantage. Therefore, they wanted to develop a local economy movement to preserve the unique culture of New Orleans by providing a strong voice for local business owners and entrepreneurs.

“For example,” says Dana, “Hardware stores – they’re not going to be a privately owned sector anymore. The city is not thinking ahead when they invite Home Depot and Lowes here.”

Presently, Stay Local serves as a tool for both consumers and local businesses by acting as an online source. Realizing the importance of keeping culture alive through the mom and pop type shops adding local flavor, Stay Local strives to maintain and build relationships within communities. One of their initiatives in doing so is a collection of downloadable maps.

The neighborhood guide maps provide communities with a treasure trove of information regarding local businesses in the city. Each directory guide provides residents with information on the neighborhood’s locally owned design firms, art galleries, law firms, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, delis, music and book shops, clothing stores, building trades, financial services, and health and fitness centers. Each guide also contains a detailed map of the specific neighborhood where local businesses, points of interest, planned and completed bike routes, and targeted recovery areas are highlighted and accompanied by an address key.

Stay Local has completed neighborhood guides for Lake and Park, Gentilly, Old Algiers, Freret, Mid-City, Carrollton Dining and Entertainment District, and Plaquemines Parish, as well as creating the Po-Boy Spotlight and Viet Village directories and Stay Local! Magazine, which serves as a local’s guide to commerce and culture.

With its online resources and directories, Stay Local strives to keep local business competitive and educating the public on why it is important to support their local communities.

Initiatives of Stay Local include:

• Building a web of education for city residents
• Raising public awareness to foster greater support of local businesses
• Cultivating conscious consumers
• Developing an active virtual community
• Providing maps of New Orleans neighborhoods

Stay Local is fully committed to developing community involvement and fostering media partnerships to help create a wider audience for this blossoming local economy movement. Dana says that partnerships are “197% absolutely critical, doing it in isolation doesn’t work. By knowing each others needs we get more informed products and processes.”

*Contact: Stay Local*