BENEFITS
MORE EXPOSURE
As a MADE IN THE MILL certified business, you will be upgraded to GOLD listing for free on Explorethemill.com, a directory of locally owned independent businesses, services, and professionals. Your business will be searchable as a certified MADE IN THE MILL business.
CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
Increase consumer confidence in your business as a CERTIFIED true local business. A survey by American Express OPEN Retail Economic Pulse found that leveraging a BUY LOCAL marketing campaign increases business. Give the consumer confidence that you are committed to the community.
COMMUNITY
Meet & Greet fellow business owners in our private local business exchange. You are encouraged to develop and foster relationships with other like-minded owners. Business to business relationships and local procurement are permitted and recommended.
DISCOUNTS & EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
Discounts and exclusive offers from other CERTIFIED MADE IN THE BUSINESSES and partners
Up to 15% discount from local media and advertising channels like ExploreTheMill.com and The Mill Magazine
MEMBERS WELCOME PACKAGE
Official Certification Award
Certified MADE IN THE MILL window cling
Marketing materials for a BUY LOCAL campaign
EVEN MORE PROMOTION
Social media announcement on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest
Promotion to other MADE IN THE MILL businesses and partners
How does MADE IN THE MILL help you reach your audience?
The membership package includes a MADE IN THE MILL window cling, so passersby and customers will know you are a certified locally owned independent business, service, or professional
Your ExploreTheMill.com listing is indexed by major search engines (i.e. Google) and will help generate leads for your business
We prepare periodic press releases for the media about our growth, sustainability, keeping dollars in the local economy, and events related to our organization and its members
In July we celebrate National Independents Week – the annual campaign to engage local independent businesses and citizens in celebrating entrepreneurial spirit and the freedom our local businesses embody
We send regular updates to our members and partners with marketing ideas, tips, and information
As a member of MADE IN THE MILL…
YOU put your money where your house is
The Carolina Piedmont (Upstate South Carolina and Metrolina North Carolina) is your home and you’ve chosen to open your business here. Supporting other small businesses helps your business. Shopping local puts three times more money back into the local economy and improves the community.
YOU celebrate your independence
You have a choice where to spend your money and you make an effort to invest in your communityYOU live local, give localIndependent businesses are the largest contributors to LOCAL charities
YOU are the future
By supporting local businesses today, you’re investing in a unique, sustainable future for our community