The Chippewa Guide is interested in promoting local businesses. We are starting the Local Shop project on the site to help with this. The idea is simple:

We will have a special section on the site for local businesses. In our definition, a local business is one that is locally owned, and has something special to offer. It's probably easier to define what is not a local shop than what is. But to start ---

• A local shop is not owned by someone far away
• A local shop is not part of a big chain
• A local shop cares about the community and its sustainability
• A local shop tries to promote local goods - items that are produced in the area.
  
• A local shop is owned by people you can identify, not a nameless hedge fund or conglomerate

So - who's to judge? Well, for the time being at least, our editors and staff. And of course you - if you know of a business that meets these criteria, let us know, and we'll be glad to feature them in the guide.

Read the new Local Shop Page.