BILO was conceived and developed by Mike Gerst during the height of the recession. Mike was thinking about all the negative news and how it was impacting the people and business of Omaha. That day he decided to form a non-profit organization called Buy It Local Omaha and promote positive news about Omaha. It was his way of giving back to the community that supported his business for 32 years
What are the member businesses of BILO?
BILO has over 140 members and growing! Any business that is locally owned (includes franchises) whose main revenue stream is from the Omaha area may join.
Why is it so important to buy products and services from local companies?
A. “For every $100 they spend at one of our local businesses, $68 will stay in the community.
B. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.
C. Buying local conserves tax dollars: Tax revenue collected from local businesses and their employees help secure our safety, maintain our roads, educate our children, care for the elderly and much more.
D. Spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong – right here in your community!
E. It makes Omaha a destination: The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we attract tourists, shoppers and others who want to visit our city.
F. It helps the environment: Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation.
What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with?
Suburban Rotary, Omaha Executive Club and Elite 8
What do you see happening with BILO in the next couple of years?
Buy It Local Omaha will be major force in stimulating Omaha’s economy by educating and connecting the consumer to our locally owned businesses. Our vision calls for every locally owned business and every locally manufactured product will have a BILO logo that consumers will look for and support! We have a great group of volunteers who are dedicating a lot of time and recourses to accomplish this. They realize how important it is to the future of Omaha.
What is one of the biggest challenges that BILO has faced?
Reaching all the consumers and businesses through the local media to promote what we are doing and how everyone can benefit. There is a sense we are trying to promote our members only and perhaps get free advertising. In fact, if non members benefit as a result of our activities, then we are helping Omaha, which is what we are all about. Lately major members began using the logo on TV and newspaper ads, on their fleet of trucks, bus stops and entrances. Our challenge is to make it into the number one logo in the city!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about BILO that most people don’t know?
BILO is run as a non-profit organization completely by volunteers that have the same passion as the founder does, to Educate on the advantages of buying locally, Connect local consumers and businesses, and Stimulate the local economy.
What is one goal for BILO that you have yet to accomplish?
We are striving for 500 members within the next 12 months whose $75.00 in annual dues will go a long way in promoting the cause and economic growth. There are over 20,000 businesses which would qualify for membership and would benefit.
What is thes best way to get invoived in Buy It Local Omaha (BILO) or find the companies involved?
Call 402-289-1010 or visit our website at www.BuyItLocalOmaha.org.