Locally Owned Business Movement Speaker at Arcada Thursday

The founder of the 3/50 Project, a grass roots movement to support locally owned and independent business, will share her message Thursday in St. Charles.

Cinda Baxter will discuss the importance of communities supporting locally owned businesses and offer tools for business owners to achieve goals.

The 3/50 Project got its start in 2009 as a blog post by Baxter refuting suggestions for consumers to "drastically reduce" their spending. Baxter wrote a blog sharing the dangers of that type of approach on the economy and, instead, encouraged responsible spending behavior. The post went viral and the 3/50 Project was born. Baxter asks consumers to think about what three independently owned businesses they would miss if they closed up shop. Baxter also said if consumers spent $50 per month in a locally owned store it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, Baxter said $68 returns to the community.

Baxter now tours the country speaking in communities where leadership is intent on supporting their local independent merchants.

Baxter will address business leaders and community members June 14 at 6 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre. The cost was $10 for advance tickets and $15 at the door. The cost includes the program and appetizers and a cash bar will be available.

The event is sponsored by the city of St. Charles, the Downtown St. Charles Partnership, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and the St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.