No Starbucks Appeal for Napa Local

From Napa Local:

Napa Local has decided not to appeal the plan Starbucks has submitted to the planning division at this time.

However, we still strongly oppose Starbucks opening up on First and Main directly across the street from the locally owned .

Starbucks, as a corporate chain, will have a detrimental impact on the local economy, by removing money from the community into corporate coffers, as our evidence shows. 

We remain committed to our goals of supporting local businesses in order to create a more diverse and resilient local economy, while preserving the unique and distinctive character of our Downtown, which adds to Napa’s cherished status as a destination and place to live.  

Napa Local has never been about just Starbucks. Concern for Starbucks entering Downtown Napa stems from our desire to support and champion the local economy, while preserving its unique qualities. 

The School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University published a study entitled  "The Economics of Going Local". This study clearly demonstrates the economic benefits of local businesses.

Local businesses produce what is called the multiplier affect whereby money circulates within the community several times thereby strengthening the local economy.

Conversely, corporate chains create leakages within the distribution chain whereby profit, instead of recirculating within the local economy, ends up in corporate coffers. Furthermore, according to the same study local businesses create increased state and local tax revenue compared to non-local chains. 

The study may be read here: http://www.oliversmarket.com/assets/files/goLocal-042111.pdf

These facts have always been at the heart of the issue. This is why Napa Local will continue moving forward as a group. 

We will continue to call upon the city to enact a formula business ordinance, which will establish a democratic process so the community can decide which corporate chains can and cannot open up in our community. This type of ordinance has been enacted in hundreds of cities across the nation, including nearby St. Helena and Calistoga. It is crucial for such an ordinance to be enacted sooner rather then later on the cusp of revitalization in Downtown Napa.

We have many allies. From the beginning, Napa Local has been a broad based group consisting of people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. We have received support from many Downtown merchants, community groups, and political parties. We look forward to working with our community in the future.

In conclusion, Napa Local remains concerned about Starbucks and other formula businesses in Downtown Napa, and committed to increasing democratic processes in our community.

Source: Napa Local