Business alliance starts ‘Buy 319’ pledge

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance this week announced a “Buy 319” effort to support regional businesses.

“Supporting locally owned businesses and helping them succeed is an important piece of the Economic Alliance’s mission,” the alliance said in a news release.

“That’s why we’re challenging all businesses in the 319 area to make the conscious decision to switch one of its outside vendors to a local company.”

The Economic Alliance is asking its 1,100 member businesses, all located within the 319 area code, to sign a pledge and pursue a change in at least one vendor.

The pledge campaign starts March 19.

Interested parties can email Pam Logue, the Alliance’s member support specialist, if they need assistance finding a vendor that will supply a need. Her email is plogue@cedarrapids.org.

“Your dollars, your business, your presence all have an important impact within our community,” the news release stated.