Buy CI is a cooperative promise to help our region by purchasing locally, because where you buy can have a huge impact on the regional economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Buy CI” program?
This program was created by a task force of the EDC for Central Illinois to encourage all area businesses to consider buying from businesses in our region. Each year buyers in our area, spend $17 billion on imported goods and services. If just 5% of those purchases were made here, it would generate or support close to 2,900 new jobs, and $166 million in additional labor income annually.

Buy CI is a cooperative promise to help our region by purchasing locally, because where you buy IS important and it has a huge impact on our regional economy. Sign up and pledge to shift up to 5% of your purchases to businesses in the region.

Will this cost my company more in the long run?
The Buy CI pledge is to spend local, not to spend more. Many of the goods and services you already purchase can be easily shifted to a local supplier when considering the whole cost, not just the price.

The biggest challenge many of our local small business owners face is getting a chance to present their products and services and show just how competitive they can be.

How do I find suppliers in Central Illinois that qualify for my business?
Visit the Buy CI website to link to area chambers of commerce directories of local businesses.

Not everything you purchase will be available locally, however we guarantee that you will be surprised at how much is available locally and competitively priced.

What exactly is the Central Illinois area?
The counties represented in this program include Peoria, Tazewell and Mason.

Can just 5% of our purchases really make an impact locally?
Yes. If companies in our region shifted 5% of their purchases locally, it would generate close to 2,900 jobs and $166 million in additional labor income.

What do I need to do to shift up to 5% of our purchases?
Start with your pledge and show your support for the economic growth of the region.

Review the zip codes of current suppliers. It is an easy way to track your purchases geographically.

Review your online purchasing habits. Many local suppliers can offer the same product, at the same price with local service.

Utilize local consultants, speakers and trainers whenever possible for your organization’s needs.

Look at the different types of purchases your company makes. Basic products and services are a good place to start. But, dig a little deeper into the more subtle areas such as where you purchase credit card services and banking services. There may also be unique products or services that you purchase that have local alternatives.

Is the impact being tracked somehow?
The EDC for Central Illinois, along with the supporting chambers of commerce will work with local businesses that have pledged to Buy CI to track their progress and the impact it makes on the economy through pledge counts, reports, testimonials and surveys.

Who is sponsoring Buy CI? 
Buy CI is cooperatively supported by The Heartland Partnership, Economic Development Council for Central Illinois, and the Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development partners in Peoria, East Peoria, Pekin, Morton, Washington and Manito.