Residents of Sonoma County: How to Join

When you join GoLocal—Shift Happens

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

Quality of Life and The New Smart Economy

Despite the many differences residents of Sonoma County may have, there is one thing we all share in common—we want a better quality of life.  Quality of life can mean different things to different people.  But most people agree that having a strong local economy is a major influence.  After all, we all want good jobs for ourselves and our neighbors.

The new smart economy creates higher quality of life for all residents.  It starts with you and the few simple choices you make every day about purchases.

You Can Help Create the New ‘Smart Economy’—Shift your spending to local businesses first

The average Sonoma County household spends slightly more than $60,000 a year on goods and services.  If all of that were spent with local goods and services providers, then an estimated $15,000 or 25% more per average household would re-circulate in Sonoma County.  That's $2.3 billion every year.

So, what can you do?  We may be idealistic, but we're not unrealistic.  We're asking you to shift some of your purchasing to locally owned businesses.

Here's a simple example.  The next time you head to a grocery store, consider going to Oliver's Market, Pacific Market, Andy's Produce Market or Community Market.  They offer a great selection of local products at very competitive prices.  Let's say you spend $200 per week on groceries.  When you shop at those markets, about $50 more stays in Sonoma County than if you went to a grocery store that is owned by a company outside Sonoma County.  That adds up to $2,600 a year you have contributed to your community.

GoLocal and our GoLocal Rewards program can help you shift your purchasing, which means you can contribute to our local economy without spending more, just spend smarter.
Think of it as enlightened self-interest 2.0.  You’ll do something good for the community and save money for yourself.  We estimate about $500 savings per $10,000 you spend. After all, during these economic hard times, aren't we all getting just a little smarter about economics and how it all works?

Here's what you can do:  Click here to go directly to the Join page

1. Join GoLocal as an individual member at a $25 one-time fee for lifetime membership.
2. Receive your GoLocal Rewards Card with your unique account number.  You can use this as a GoLocal identity card with all GoLocal business members to receive Rewards, GoLocal Bucks, and coupon discounts.
3. Always carry your GoLocal Rewards Card.
4. Find GoLocal business members by using the GoLocal member directory on our website and look for the GoLocal member decal in store windows.
5. Present your card when making a purchase.  Merchants that have electronic processing for Rewards Card will rebate GoLocal bucks and/or apply other GoLocal rewards.  Merchants not yet capable of electronic processing will apply discounts as shown in the coupon offers on the GoLocal coupons section of the website.  You can print the coupons online and take them with you, or show them right from your smart phone.

How you can use the GoLocal website to track your purchases and spendable rebates:

• Go to the GoLocal website and log into your account.
• You'll see all your GoLocal Rewards Card transactions:
  • Rebated GoLocal bucks you've earned
  • Progress on loyalty programs, including spending and number of visits rewards