Sacramento-area businesses are the driver of success for our communities. They provide jobs for us, our family, and neighbors. Beautiful places to celebrate life’s joys. Nourishing, flavorful food. Gifts and those special items that spice our life. They provide the services that help us navigate our complex world, from tax experts and accountants, to lawyers, health care providers, financial service professionals, and so much more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put many Sacramento area businesses at risk. And it will take all of us coming together to ensure they are there for their future – and ours.
That’s why SAFE Credit Union is the inaugural corporate sponsor of the Take the 100% Local Pledge that encourages residents to shop at businesses located in the Greater Sacramento area.
The credit union mission of people helping people extends into assisting organizations and initiatives that seek to lift a community. Projects like the 100% Local Pledge is an example of how credit unions can bring the power of their membership and connections to support the people who make up our communities.
SAFE Credit Union joins Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Vice-Mayor, Councilmember (District 3) Jeff Harris, and Inside Sacramento in promoting the “Take the 100% Local Pledge” initiative, which helps Greater Sacramento-area residents identify and support businesses located in the region who have been impacted by the pandemic.
Businesses and business groups are encouraged to participate by purchasing and posting signs that announce a business is open on one side and bear the pledge on the other:
SHOP 100% local
STAND with small business
SUPPORT our neighborhood employers
Together, we will recover
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Vice-Mayor Jeff Harris are co-chairs of the initiative with Inside Sacramento Publisher Cecily Hastings, who launched the effort in March. SAFE Credit Union was announced as the first business partner supporting the campaign with funds and marketing assistance.
“Our small businesses create the character of our communities and form a large part of our economic base,” said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “Many of them are now struggling or are even faced with closure. We need to support them now to make sure they are still here when this is over.”
Vice-Mayor Jeff Harris, the first elected official to sign on to the campaign, said, “In these difficult times, it is imperative that we support our local small businesses in every way possible. Our small businesses are the major employers in our region, and we need to focus on employment during reopening to jump start our economy. Let’s keep our dollars local!”
Inside Sacramento Publisher Cecily Hastings launched the initiative after shelter-in-place orders led to the immediate closure of thousands of businesses in the Greater Sacramento region. It started as a grass-roots movement that invited businesses to post the signs, as well as pose with the pledge signs and post the images to social media.
“As the publisher of Inside Sacramento, I know firsthand how important regional businesses are to the health and vitality of our community,” Cecily Hastings said. “They are the engine that drives employment and growth. The pandemic has posed real existential challenges to our local businesses. I launched the Take 100% Local Pledge in mid-March when I saw the urgent need.”
The initiative encourages people to shop at all businesses located in the Sacramento region, not just those locally owned. As she sought to expand the program, she reached out to the Mayor’s Office, Councilmember Harris, and SAFE Credit Union for additional support.
“We see this as an important opportunity to help businesses in the community,” said SAFE Credit Union President and CEO Dave Roughton. “SAFE joins others in our industry in showing strong leadership in helping our communities weather the impact of COVID-19. As one of the few credit unions in the Greater Sacramento region that also offers business banking services and commercial lending, we stand in support of our business members. SAFE Credit Union supports the Shop 100% Local Pledge and we encourage other businesses to join us. Right now, we can make a difference – but we have to work together. Things may have felt a little out of control. But we – together – can take back the future of our region by taking the pledge.”
In a further show of support for those shopping local, during May and through June 30, SAFE Credit Union announced it is providing 5% cash back to SAFE Cash Rewards Visa® cardholders for all purchases made at grocery stores and restaurants as well as food delivery services such as Postmates, Uber Eats, Doordash, Instacart, and GrubHub. Visit www.safecu.org/we-reward-you to learn more.
The political acumen and connections of Sacramento elected officials Steinberg and Harris, combined with partnership from SAFE Credit Union, allow the “Take the 100% Local Pledge” to expand into a more robust program. Businesses and organizations such as chambers of commerce and business districts are invited to participate at one of various levels, from obtaining single signs to buying several hundred to distribute to businesses.
To promote local businesses, individual signs will be available for pickup at certain area businesses, starting with Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op, 2820 R St. Businesses can also learn how to participate by visiting insidesacramento.com/100-local-pledge, emailing Cecily Hastings at Cecily@insidepublications.com or by calling 916-203-8528.
More information about the program is available at insidesacramento.com/100-local-pledge
How to join the movement
Choose your level. The cost covers signage printing costs – at a local printer, of course.
Partner: $3,000
- 200 two-sided color yard signs with corporate logo.
- Listing in Inside Sacramento print advertising, website, and e-newsletters.
Corporate Supporter: $1,500
- 100 two-sided color yard signs with corporate logo.
- Listing in Inside Sacramento print advertising and website.
Large District Supporter: $750
- 50 two-sided color yard signs.
- Listing in Inside Sacramento print advertising and website.
Small District Supporter: $500
- 25 two-sided color yard signs.
- Listing in Inside Sacramento print advertising and website.
Individual Supporter
Purchase a sign for $20 cash/check of $25 credit/debit cards at select retail locations. Businesses can purchase as well as loyal customers who want to provide one to their favorite business
Download your kit
Share your support of the 100% Local Pledge with news release and social media templates.
FAQs
How do I participate?
If you’re a Greater Sacramento-area business or resident, take the pledge and shop local for all your needs. Spread the word on social media by taking a photo with the sign and using the hashtags #pledge100%local and #pledgelocal. Don’t forget a hashtag for your city/neighborhood and business. Connect with retailers and restaurants offering delivery, no-contact or curb-side pickup options. Shop at local grocers. Patronize local restaurants by ordering delivery or curb-side pickup. Purchase Pledge Local signs for your favorite businesses to post or share the campaign information with them.
What other ways can I help?
- Shop 100% local!
- Share pictures of you and 100% Local Pledge signs you see around town on social media
Use the hashtags #pledge100%local and #pledgelocal and for your city, business
Sample social posts are available to make sharing even easier
- Donate advertising space to help get the word out
- Comment, share, tag as a show of support for local businesses on social media
- Use the sample press release to share your support for the initiative
How will this initiative help my business?
All local businesses will benefit from this campaign because it aims to lift consideration of all local businesses across the board. By posting a sign at your business you’re showing your commitment to our community thriving. Supporting the initiative with a financial commitment positions you as a leader in helping to ensure our local economy remains healthy. The initiative is also a reminder to local residents how very important it is to support local businesses to help our regional economy recover.
Who’s behind the initiative?
Cecily Hastings launched the initiative and has since welcomed Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Vice-Mayor, Councilmember (District 3) Jeff Harris to co-chair the effort. SAFE Credit Union was the first corporate partner to support the initiative with contributions including funding and marketing support.
Are there other incentives?
SAFE Credit Union Cash Rewards cardholders receive 5% cash back on all purchases at grocery, restaurants and food delivery throughout May and June. Ongoing quarterly rewards let you choose your 5% cash back category. Visit www.safecu.org/we-reward-you to learn more.
Where can I get more information?
Visit https://insidesacramento.com/100-local-pledge/ to learn more about this initiative and get access to campaign resources as they come available. Follow Inside Publications on social media for the latest updates, photos and more:
- https://facebook.com/insidepublications/
- https://twitter.com/InsidePubs916
- https://www.instagram.com/insidepublications/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-publications/
