What is it? The Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, which serves the community in and around Mansfield, Ohio, is offering members access to LocaLynx, a platform that allows users to develop “micro apps” that encourage consumers to buy from local vendors. “The LocaLynx app was built to help locals build our community. It’s more than just a statement asking people to ‘shop local,’ it’s a tool that helps us actually do it,” LocaLynx explains on its website.

Why it works: The strategy is twofold. It helps a member of the community—LocaLynx is based in Mansfield—get its foot in the door and offers all chambers members a new benefit. In comments to WFMD, LocaLynx Regional Director Shane Hostetler said the overarching missions were compatible. “This was a perfect partnership for us. The chamber has been gaining momentum locally, and our missions are very similar. Both LocaLynx and the Richland Area Chamber want to see local businesses grow and thrive,” Hostetler said.

Other perks: LocaLynx has Richland area businesses set for mobile, but the Richland Chamber has offerings that cover those businesses just about everywhere else, including free website listings and discounts on local advertising. The group also offers health plans, notary services, and a monthly newsletter, among other benefits.

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