Web Site Urges Shoppers To Buy Owasso

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

OWASSO, OK -- The city of Owasso is fighting back at the sluggish economy. It recently launched a campaign to get residents to spend their money in city limits. 

BuyOwasso.com is aimed at showing the importance of using local money to solve local problems.

“We try to have a little bit of something for everyone,” said Laura Sanders, an Owasso small business owner.

Laura Sanders has owned Surcee Home Decor for the last three years. She has weathered the recession quite well she says, but coming up is the most important time of year for small business owners.

“The Christmas season, 4th quarter, is huge for our business. That's when we do the majority of our business,” said Sanders.

This year Sanders has an extra tool to drive more customers to her boutique.

“I am so excited about this new program for Owasso,” said Sanders.

BuyOwasso.com lists the city's shops and restaurants, along with addresses and telephone numbers. It's part of a $40,000 campaign the city has launched to keep Owasso residents from leaving the city to go shopping. City officials say that hometown money needs to stay in city limits if Owasso is to continue to grow. 

“You're helping the local business person, but you're also helping provide funds for additional fire trucks, police cars, for parks for our kids. It makes a big difference in how the city succeeds,” said Sanders.

“It helps to keep our community safer. It helps to continue to build a proper infrastructure and also improve the infrastructure that we currently have,” said Chelsea Harkins, Economic Development Director.

City leaders say shopping local may be even more important this year as sales tax revenue continues to decline. Owasso's latest check from the state, for example, was $1.2 million -- 10% less than a year ago.

360 Sports is in downtown Owasso. Owner Jon Ray says residents should do their part to help their city during a rough economy.

“Been here all my life and to see Owasso grow like it has in the last thirty-plus years I've been here, it's exciting to see how Owasso has provided back to us and I think this is a way we can give back to Owasso community,” said Jon Ray.

It doesn't cost the businesses any money to be listed on the web site. The city is doing it free of charge.

Go to BuyOwasso.com