Get Discounts For Buying Local

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A new effort is working to promote locally owned businesses in Oklahoma.

Keep it Local OK was formed by two Oklahomans who have a passion for finding unique businesses. Bryce Bandy and his business partner Chris Branson are behind the project that's goal is bringing together local businesses and spreading the word about them as a collective unit.

Keep it Local OK works as an incentives program to shop locally.

"Consumers can buy a Keep It Local OK card for $10," Brandy said.

Anyone with a card can use it for discounts and specials at the local businesses that are part of the movement.

"You use it like a coupon over and over as many times as you want for a year," Branson said.

For businesses, the system serves as a more effective advertisement than what many want to pay for. All their information is listed on the Keep It Local OK website along with the deals they are offering. The website, KeepitLocalOK.com, just launched on Wednesday.

There are a couple of businesses already participating, but the founders expect it to grow.

"Austin, Texas has a similar program that is very successful. Portland has one as well, so does Raleigh, North Carolina. We have no doubt Oklahoma City's will be just as effective," Branson said.

One of Keep It Local OK's first businesses was Café Evoke.

"We're actually only advertising in one publication right now. This will go a lot further than putting a sign outside our building," said Jason Duncan, Café Evoke owner.

The specialty coffee catering company mainly operates on word of mouth.

"I believe in Keep It Local OK. Clients we've never met may say, "Hey, I need a gift. Maybe I'll do coffee or something. Maybe I'll buy it from Café Evoke instead since I've got this card,'" Duncan said.