Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Strive for 5 Campaign?
“Strive for 5" is a marketing campaign designed to promote the importance of, and bring top of mind awareness to, local spending.

Why was the "Strive for 5" Campaign created?
A 2006 assessment survey indicated the Jamestown trade area loses approximately $48,954,473.00 in annual revenue due to out-of-area spending. This revenue is vital to the sustainability of our business economy. The Chamber of Commerce felt a need to address this problem and began to work on a way of educating consumers on the importance of local spending.

Who has partnered together on this campaign?
The Chamber of Commerce, Mainstreet Downtown Association and the Buffalo Mall Owners have all banned together to create and sustain the "Strive for 5" campaign. Local businesses and organizations have also become partners through their financial and marketing contributions to the campaign. Those partners On the left side of each page.

What is the goal of the campaign?
The "Strive for 5" Committee created the campaign in order to “get the ball rolling” so to speak. The campaign is aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of local spending. As this awareness increases, local spending will increase which in turn will affect an increase in taxable sales. This increase in revenue will encourage business owners to keep their business in Jamestown as well as entice new businesses to call Jamestown home. The increased revenue will also help the community through infrastructure improvements, community projects, education needs and more.

What research was done to create the campaign?
The committee first researched other successful shop local campaigns and came across several campaigns that had tangible evidence of their success and positive progress. Many hours were spent pouring over websites, graphs, charts, surveys, assessments and more. Numerous campaign leaders were contacted for background information and this preliminary data helped the campaign begin to take shape. The committee then drafted a survey for local consumers and businesses. This survey provided the basis for the "Strive for 5" Campaign by gathering vital data on the perceptions of local shopping and spending as well as perceived positives and negatives regarding the local business atmosphere.

How are the results being tracked?
Tracking the results has already been done through reported and recorded reactions to the campaign as well as recording the number of individuals, businesses and organizations who have become partners of the campaign. Tracking will continue following the completion of the campaign through a follow-up survey of consumers and businesses as well as through the number of partner individuals, businesses and organizations who utilize the campaign’s theme and logo in their own local advertising and marketing strategies.

What is the definition of “shopping local”?
The first question listed in the original assessment survey asked “Do you shop locally if shopping locally means shopping at Jamestown businesses regularly and spending an average of $100.00 per week?” 91% of the respondents indicated they agreed with this definition of local shopping. Local shopping can also further be defined as spending an average of $100 locally at any businesses. The dollar amount can be spent on retail items, gas, groceries, services, hotel stays, etc.

What kind of impact can the success of this campaign have on the economy, business climate and community?
There are many positive impacts this campaign can have. Financially the economy could gain millions in annual taxable sales which will directly benefit infrastructure, education, local community and civic programs and more. The business climate in Jamestown will benefit by promoting healthy commerce. The healthier our local economy is the more likely entrepreneurs and chain stores are to locate and sustain business in Jamestown. The community will directly benefit by enjoying a healthier economy, a larger selection of businesses and the convenience and cost effectiveness of staying local.

Can I help?
Absolutely! By “Striving for 5” and keeping your dollars in the local economy you are helping.

How do I find a local vendor to cover my needs?
Start with the list of "Strive for 5" partners listed on this site! Then check in with www.jamestownchamber.com and click on their Business Directory section to find the businesses you need. If you want to be included in that list, just send an email to the Chamber to become a Chamber member!

"Strive for 5" Today!
Take ownership in your community.