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