Buying Local, Making a Difference

Those of you who know us, know we talk A LOT about importance of buying local. The reality is, it’s not just talk. As a small business, we are committed to spending the dollars our clients give us in a way that supports our local growers and our local community.

We wanted to share with you some analysis on our spending this year.

Local Growers: We spent 49% of our income last year on buying flowers, foliage, branches and plants from local farmers. (up from 38% last year!) We purchased flowers from 21 flower farms this year (up from 17 last year)

We’re especially proud to say that 2% of our farm dollars went to farmers inside BALTIMORE CITY! While this may not seem significant…it’s HUGE! This is the first year we have ever had flower farmers inside Baltimore City. Thanks you to all of our growers! We hope to give you even more business in 2014!

Locally owned, small businesses: 19% of our total income was spent on small, locally owned businesses. Using our hard earned dollars in our own community is important to us. We love our local business partners including Carma’s, CVP, Charm City Cook, Kinderhook, Chesapeake Wine Company, the Food Market, Apothecary Wellness and many many more.

Local Designer: 15% of our total income went to pay our amazing TEAM! Our designers and delivery helpers are locavores themselves that love Baltimore and love to support local business.

Chain Stores in our Neighborhood: 12% of our income was spent at chain stores in our neighborhood. While these businesses (Waverly Giant,  Waverly Ace,  Govans Carroll Fuel etc) are not locally owned, they are located in our community and employ local folks.

Non-local business: The last 4% of our income was spent at non-local businesses. Most of this money was spent on vases, our new wreath maker and other floral supplies.

Buying local is an important way to show support for your neighbors and your community. As a small Baltimore business, Local Color Flowers will continue to buy local, support small businesses and farms, employ local designers and strive to make an even more positive impact on our community. 2014 is going to be awesome!

You Deserve A Bouquet Today Contest Winner: The Team at the Baltimore CASH Campaign

The Baltimore CASH Campaign is an amazing non-profit whose mission is to “provide working families access to the tools and services needed to maximize their earning dollars.” One of their most popular and needed services is free tax preparation for low-income individuals. These services insure that low-income do not have to pay the high cost of paid tax preparers and that they benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

One of their tax volunteers nominated the team at the Baltimore CASH Campaign to win March’s “You Deserve a Bouquet Today” contest. Eric wrote:

“The Baltimore CASH Campaign does important work all year as educators and advocates for personal financial empowerment. Sara and her team especially deserve flowers for all the hard work they put in during tax season this year.”

Congratulations to the Baltimore CASH Campaign staff (and volunteers on a job well done! Local Color Flowers is proud to be able to say thank you  for making a difference in the lives of those you serve.

Francesca, Sara and Meghann receiving a beautiful bouquet of locally grown flowers as the winners of LoCoFlo’s “You Deserve a Bouquet Today” contest.