The queen of the buy-local movement has launched a smart phone app that directs consumers inclined to shop and dine at ibricks-and-mortar businesses, including many florists, where to go. Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 project and a keynote speakSAF Phoenix 2009, had kept development of the app shrouded in secrecy until announcing it Aug. 9 on her blog, “

ndependent

er at

Always Upward.”

hackelford’s Florist in Memphis, Tenn., is among the 10 businesses

e

Sthat participated in test runs for Baxter during the development process. As a result, Shackelford’s has an “enhanced” listing in thfree-to-download iPhone app, which includes photos, website and social media links and email address. Basic listings — business name, description, click-to-call phone number and address — are free. Merchants must pay an unspecified but “absurdly affordable” amount for enhanced listings with “a little more oomph,” the app home page says. Both types of listings include maps, and “one-tap” saving to your favorites. Aall 50 states and Canada that had signed on as

ndroid and iPad versions of the app, LookLocal, are “on the way.” Thousands of businesses in

supporters of the 3/50 project — and who updated their information when asked, told only of “big things to come” — are listed in theapp, and can upgrade later if they choose. Consumers can search for businesses in their appby category or state.

he 3/50 project was created in the spring of 2009 to urge consumers to choose three locally

axter asked Shackelford’s owner, Bill Goodman, to help with testing after the two got to

the

e’re looking forward to seeing what will come from this,” said Goodman, who also just

Towned businesses they would miss if forced to close, and to spend $50 a month at such shops or restaurants. Saving “mom and pop” businesses is the project’s mission. Bknow each other following the SAF convention. Shackelford’s website has included a link to3/50 project since then. Goodman said he is excited about the prospects of staying in better touch with the segment of the market tied to their smart phones. “Wsigned up for a separate tool, Floralapp, which allows Shackelford’s customers to buy flowers through their smart phones. “We need all the help we can get.”

The queen of the buy-local movement has launched a smart phone app that directs consumers inclined to shop and dine at ibricks-and-mortar businesses, including many florists, where to go. Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 project and a keynote speakSAF Phoenix 2009, had kept development of the app shrouded in secrecy until announcing it Aug. 9 on her blog, “Always Upward.”

Shackelford’s Florist in Memphis, Tenn., is among the 10 businesses  that participated in test runs for Baxter during the development process. As a result, Shackelford’s has an “enhanced” listing in thfree-to-download iPhone app, which includes photos, website and social media links and email address. Basic listings — business name, description, click-to-call phone number and address — are free. Merchants must pay an unspecified but “absurdly affordable” amount for enhanced listings with “a little more oomph,” the app home page says. Both types of listings include maps, and “one-tap” saving to your favorites.

Android and iPad versions of the app, LookLocal, are “on the way.” Thousands of businesses in all 50 states and Canada that had signed on as supporters of the 3/50 project — and who updated their information when asked, told only of “big things to come” — are listed in theapp, and can upgrade later if they choose. Consumers can search for businesses in their app by category or state.

The 3/50 project was created in the spring of 2009 to urge consumers to choose three locally owned businesses they would miss if forced to close, and to spend $50 a month at such shops or restaurants. Saving “mom and pop” businesses is the project’s mission.

Baxter asked Shackelford’s owner, Bill Goodman, to help with testing after the two got to know each other following the SAF convention. Shackelford’s website has included a link to3/50 project since then. Goodman said he is excited about the prospects of staying in better touch with the segment of the market tied to their smart phones.

"We’re looking forward to seeing what will come from this,” said Goodman, who also just  signed up for a separate tool, Floralapp, which allows Shackelford’s customers to buy flowers through their smart phones. “We need all the help we can get.”