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Q What is the Buy & Build Greater Mankato Initiative?
A Buy & Build Greater Mankato is an initiative that encourages businesses and organizations in the Greater Mankato Area to shift 5% of the money they currently spend outside of the regional marketplace into the area. The results will create more revenue for our schools, businesses, homes, and community services which increase jobs and strengthen the local economy!
Q What is the potential impact on the community and the economy?
A Greater Mankato Growth commissioned a study by the University of Minnesota Extension which found that we have the potential to bring $1.9 billion back to the Greater Mankato regional marketplace. If all businesses and organizations shift just 5% of their purchases from outside to inside the regional marketplace, it will result in $83 million directly into the marketplace, with a total economic impact of $118 million and as many as 892 new jobs. Greater Mankato Growth will track this progress based upon the pledges that come in on this website.
Q How do you define “Greater Mankato”?
A The Greater Mankato Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes all of Nicollet and Blue Earth counties, and may also include those communities immediately adjacent, which makes up our regional marketplace.
Q Who are Buy & Build “Partners”?
A Partners are businesses and organizations in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties that have made a commitment to Buy & Build by pledging to either shift 5% or to continue to spend at least 65% of goods and services that are available in the Greater Mankato regional marketplace. See a list of the Buy & Build Partners here or you can see all businesses in the Online Business Directory where the Buy & Build Partners will have the Buy & Build logo next to their name!
Q How can my business or organization become a Buy and Build Greater Mankato Partner?
A Check out our suggestions on 5 Ways to Shift 5% and make the pledge!
Q Where do I go to find out where I can find products and services from the area, so I can Buy & Build?
A Find businesses in Nicollet or Blue Earth county and adjacent communities in the Greater Mankato Growth Online Business Directory. Search by name, location, or business category.
Q What if I already spend as much of my goods and services as I can that are available in Greater Mankato?
A We understand that some businesses and organizations have unique products and services that sometimes cannot be produced in our region, or some that have already made it a priority to spend as much as they can here. If so, you should definitely be recognized as a Buy and Build Greater Mankato Partner. Make the pledge, using Option B)
Q Why are we focusing on business and organization pledges?
A Business to business spending has the biggest impact on our local economy, according to the U of M Extension Office study.
Q What can consumers do to help Buy and Build Greater Mankato?
A Consumers can also use the Greater Mankato Business Online Business Directory and patronize those businesses and organizations that have pledged to be a Buy and Build Partner. While you don't need to make a formal pledge, you're spending decisions can definitely help to Buy and Build Greater Mankato too!
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