'Local Pays Off' Promotes Benefits of Buying from Local Businesses

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Local Search Association, an organization of search providers, directory publishers, online listings and review sites, today announced a new platform called "Local Pays Off" that encourages buying from local businesses to build stronger communities.

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"America's most prosperous and sustainable cities have strong local business economies with vibrant shopping and services that attract new residents, encourage entrepreneurs and draw other businesses to invest in the community," said Neg Norton, president, Local Search Association. "One role we play as providers of local search services is to encourage consumers to think about how buying locally pays off for the entire community."

Supporting local businesses generates a number of positive impacts that benefit community stakeholders, including civic leaders, elected officials, business owners and residents:

• Economic prosperity: Local purchases generate tax revenue for municipalities and serve as a catalyst for job creation and growth.
• Trusted products and services: Local businesses ensure residents can conveniently get the products and services they need, when they need them, from nearby businesses they know and trust.
• Environmental improvement: Buying locally requires less transportation, resulting in less sprawl, congestion, pollution and energy use.
• Vibrancy and diversity: A city's core is strengthened by local businesses that add vibrancy to city streets, neighborhoods and shopping centers.
• Opportunity: Strong local businesses meet the specific needs of the community, attract new talent, encourage entrepreneurs and draw other businesses to invest.

Yellow Pages Search Tools at the Heart of Local Shopping

As the marketing partner to local businesses, Yellow Pages print, online and mobile search tools facilitate commerce by offering an easy and free source of information for those who like supporting their local businesses.

"Yellow Pages are the most locally focused media designed to connect consumers with nearby businesses," Norton said. "Every sale that Yellow Pages facilitate through print directories, online search tools and mobile apps delivers revenue right back to the community through sales taxes, business income and employment."

In addition to the traditional directory tools, Yellow Pages companies help local businesses navigate a full spectrum of search services that help consumers buy local. They also offer businesses with advice and support on areas like SEO, paid search, online advertising, online reputation and social media. Yellow Pages companies also provide locally-minded consumers with the business information they find online, via apps on their mobile device, and daily deals they purchase through links shared on social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Achieving Sustainability Milestones

The platform aligns with the industry's effort to advance sustainability through social, economic, environmental and cultural impacts.

"While buying locally is a great way for consumers to make sustainable purchases, our industry also plays a role in minimizing the environmental impact of local search tools," said Norton, "We have implemented a number of strategic initiatives to help ensure that we foster good practices that take into account the needs of the communities we serve."

Sustainability milestones Include:

• The industry has reduced its paper source reduction by 50 percent since 2007, driven by changes in directory sizes, more efficient manufacturing, reduction in White Pages deliveries and www.YellowPagesOptOut.com.
• With more than 9,000 curbside recycling programs around the country, 87 percent of Americans can recycle their used directories, according to the Paper Industry Association.
• The EPA has estimated in past studies that directories make up less than one half of one percent of the municipal solid waste stream. Now the EPA has chosen to stop measuring directories altogether, further signaling the minor impact of directories on municipal waste.

About the Local Search Association

The Local Search Association (www.localsearchassociation.org) is the largest trade organization of print, digital, mobile and social media that help local businesses get found and selected by ready-to-buy consumers. Association members include U.S. and international directory publishers, search engine marketers, online listings and review sites, digital advertising agencies and mobile search providers. The Association has members in 29 countries.

Read the Local Search Association blog www.localsearchinsider.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LocalSearchAssn) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/LocalSearchAssn). To choose which phone directories you receive or stop delivery, visit www.YellowPagesOptOut.com.

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SOURCE Local Search Association