Not only will we be celebrating our independence come July, but we’ll also be celebrating independents. That’s because July 1 through July 7, 2012 is the 10th anniversary of National Independents Week (or “Indie Week” if you’re cool). This is the week that everyone is encouraged to shop locally and support independent businesses.

A great place to start is by visiting Local First Arizona where you can find a directory of local business and learn how to “Shift the Way you Shop”. According to the website, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy and $27 leaves . In contrast, when you shop at a business that is not locally-owned, only $43 remains in the local economy and $57 leaves.

Shopping local re-circulates your money over and over, creating more tax revenue to the state and your community. Not only do local businesses help to drive the economy, but they also support sustainability and add character and uniqueness to the community. You’ll also probably get better and more personal service.

In honor of Independents Week, Local First Arizona is offering a “Golden Coupon” where you can get 20% off at participating local establishments.

So, go ahead and take the pledge to shop locally and support your community merchants. Then head down to the farmer’s market, the Melrose District or your favorite local restaurant and help build our economic independence during Independents Week.