San Francisco, CA - This holiday season, the San Francisco Small Business Commission will host its 3rd annual Shop Local First campaign to recognize locally owned small businesses and innovative entrepreneurs who live and work in San Francisco.Shop Local First urges San Franciscans to buy locally made products and services and support locally owned retail stores.

Mayor Gavin Newsom, who is a staunch advocate for local business hailed the Shop Local First initiative saying, "Small businesses are the engine of our economy. I encourage all San Franciscans to shop and buy local this holiday season." The Mayor continued, "By helping our small businesses to thrive we will keep our San Francisco economy vibrant and diverse"

Neil Sofman, owner of A Clean Well-Lighted Place for Books, and steering committee member of SFLOMA, says, "Our motto is 'Shop Here And Your Money Stays Here.' There are now many studies showing the clear and positive economic impact that locally owned businesses have on the community"

The Small Business Commission has partnered with three SF-based non-profit organizations to promote the campaign:

1. SF LOMA (San Francisco Locally Owned Merchants Alliance) - http://www.sfloma.org
2. Renaissance Center for Entrepreneurship - http://www.rencenter.org
3. BALLE (Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) - http://www.livingeconomies.org

-- Press Release from the Office of the Mayor, Nov. 28, 2005
Complete release: www.sfgov.org/site/mayor_page.asp?id=36234