Commit to Community. Support Local. Buy319.

Supporting locally owned businesses and helping them succeed is an important piece of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance’s mission. As part of year-round, buy local efforts, the Economic Alliance launched its second annual business-to-business focused campaign, Buy319, to challenge companies using outside vendors for internal supplies and services to switch to a local 319 area code company.

More than 150 local businesses took pledge

Buy319 launched on March 19, in which the significance reads in the date, 3-1-9. In 2023, more than 150 businesses took the pledge. Many businesses have already acted on their pledge commitment and are excited to continue that momentum going forward.

“We took the Buy 319 pledge in March of 2023, but have been practicing the art of keeping things local for many years,” explained Kyle Zimmerman, CEO of Guide Wealth Partners. “When we renovated and moved into a nearly 100-year-old building near downtown, we primarily used local companies.

It was a ton of work amid the supply chain crisis, but with the help of a lot of incredible local businesses, we were able to make it happen. We have incredible talent in the area, and it helps to actually know the people we are working with, which ensures we receive a higher level of service than we could get dialing a 1-800 number.”

Search engine-like feature to source local services

New this year, the Economic Alliance’s membership directory is now set up like a search engine so specific products and services are easier to find. Whether businesses are searching for printing, insurance, travel, automotive care, legal advice or more, the directory will pull up all Economic Alliance members who can provide those services locally. However, it isn’t always just about keeping the tangible items local. Support by volunteerism is just as important.

Supporting local volunteerism

Van Meter’s commitment to community comes from the top. Lura McBride, president and CEO, was named the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Howard Hall Excellence in Business Award. In her acceptance speech at the Economic Alliance Annual Meeting on Jan. 18, 2024, McBride kept a constant phrase in her speech: “We care a lot.” And it’s true — this organization does care a lot, and that passion rings through as they support the 319 and beyond.

“It is important for us to take care of our community through a lot of volunteer outreach, and we do that through supporting local businesses,” says Danielle Monthei, community impact manager at Van Meter Inc.

“We are really passionate about this initiative. A lot of times, organizations look at their processes, and people may assume that using convenience or e-commerce is better. For Van Meter, it is about the relationships.”

Your local business is invited to take the pledge

If your business is dedicated to the local economy, you’re invited to join by signing the pledge and being a part of the change. With more than 1,100 local member businesses in in the Economic Alliance membership directory, most located within our 319 region, your support makes a significant impact.

Every dollar spent, every business supported, every presence felt — it all contributes to the vibrancy and vitality of our community. Let’s lift each other up in support so that we can all reap the benefits of a thriving local community. Join the movement and find local businesses at buy319.com.