Last week Lori in Phoenix blogged about her experience at the Phoenix launch of the Shift Arizona campaign. Tomorrow at 10 a.m., Sheila Kressler-Crowley, Bookmans Marketing Director, will speak at the Tucson launch at Maynards Market, 400 N. Toole Ave.

"When you buy locally, more money stays in your community," Sheila says. "It's as simple as that." She points out that in addition to getting a good deal on merchandise and reusing items that would otherwise be discarded when you shop at your local Bookmans, you are also giving back to your own community. "You create jobs for your neighbors and provide funds for community outreach when you turn to local businesses for goods and services," she points out.

Shift Arizona is encouraging consumers across the state to shift a portion of their spending to local independent businesses. The impact even a small shift can make in our community will yield great results. When people shift just 10% of their spending from national chains to local independent businesses the local economy gets a big boost. The best part about this campaign is that it doens't require more spending in a depressed economy, just a shift in the spending that you do -- "a small shift with a big lift".

Take the pledge today to see what impact you can make at ShiftArizona.com and we'll see you tomorrow at Maynards.