WHAT CAN LOCAL FIRST LEXINGTON DO FOR YOU?

Do you compete with national chains and franchises? Do you feel that your business contributes to the uniqueness of the Lexington community? Then you should be part of Local First Lexington.

Web Site Directory Listing: When you join Local First Lexington, you’ll be featured in a detailed listing on this web site, with a link back to your own site if you have one. You can list your specials and events on our site, which communicates to the general public and other business owners what you do. Let savvy consumers know your business is Lexington-grown.

Promotional Value: Local First Lexington plans an ongoing effort to communicate the value of shopping locally, through printed materials available in your store, promotions in our local media, and by encouraging journalists to write about the concepts of shopping locally. All members will receive a window decal identifying them as a member business, as well as bookmarks/bag stuffers explaining the value of shopping locally. Be part of our effort to break the “big-box habit.”

Networking: Quarterly business meetings as well as informal social gatherings will be an excellent opportunity to meet other business owners to brainstorm about cross promotions or simply to let others know what you do.

Membership is open to any Lexington-based business which meets the following criteria:

• At least 50% locally owned, with owners residing in Fayette County or the immediate surrounding counties.

• The company must be privately held, not publicly traded, ensuring revenues stay at home.

• All business decisions (purchasing, menu, name of business, advertising, etc.) must be made locally, without reporting to or receiving support from a national office or franchise headquarters.

Dues are based on business size and are payable by calendar year.

1-5 employees: $75

6-24 employees: $100

25 or over: $150

Businesses wishing to join should print out the membership form (click here) and mail with payment to LFL. We can also mail you a printed form — just email us!

Community Supporter (associate) membership is available to individuals, or for businesses and organizations which do not meet our membership guidelines but still support our mission and goals. Dues are $50 annually, and includes recognition on this web site but does NOT include a listing in our business directory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Membership

Q: My business is a franchise but is owned locally. Are we eligible to join?

A: Franchises or companies and independent agents licensed to franchises, and local companies with corporate offices in another state do not meet our eligibility requirements. While we recognize that all businesses are important to our local economy, LFL was created specifically to highlight and support those businesses that are unique to Lexington and do not benefit from affiliation with a national or regional brand.

Q: My business has more than one location in Lexington/Central Kentucky. Does each location need to pay dues separately?

A: No, as long as all locations are operating under the same general name, only one dues payment is needed. However, if each location is marketed to the general public as a distinct entity (ie., under a different name), then each should join individually and will receive a separate listing in our business directory.