Buy Owasso

Recently, an Owasso resident called 911 to report a police emergency. The caller later thanked one of the police officers who responded and told him how much she appreciated the quick response and professional approach that had been taken. To her surprise, the officer replied that he appreciated just as much the citizen’s help in making our community a safer place and enabling the department to have one of the lowest crime rates in the state. When asked how she helped, the officer told her something she had not thought about. Simply, he said, that every time a citizen spends a dollar in Owasso instead of out of town, the sales tax helps make his job easier by supplying training, equipment and personnel to have a great police force and to fight crime.

The surprise shown by the resident is not unique. Most people don’t equate shopping locally with better police, fire, streets and parks. But, the truth is that a bag of groceries, a new pair of jeans, dinner and a movie all add up to a better equipped fire department, more police, officers, pothole-free streets and wonderful parks. Though only three cents of each dollar spent in Owasso stays to help the local government (the rest of the sales tax goes to the state and county) those pennies add up quickly and have a huge impact on city services.

But, the data indicates there is still about 40% of all spending by Owasso residents that goes out of town to fill the coffers of other cities. While there may be a number of reasons that could be given for that lost spending, most likely, people just don’t think about every purchase having an impact on keeping our families safe, streets smooth, and parks inviting.

That is why the City Council, with the full support of the Owasso Economic Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce, has authorized the development of a comprehensive Buy Owasso information campaign. All parties believe that such a program is a win-win; it will promote local businesses who have invested in the community, and the city’s public services will be enhanced if new spending occurs. Keeping our money at home also presents a potential economic win for our children and grandchildren. A sound local economy complemented by strong public sector services will draw more investors to our community creating new jobs and opportunities that will keep our children in Owasso when the time comes for them to begin their families and careers.  

For a number of years the city has focused on infrastructure needs and encouraging new businesses to locate in Owasso. This new campaign will focus on helping and growing existing businesses that have long supported the town. In today’s economy, support of the local citizenry is critical to the health and survival of those businesses.    

Soon there will be two billboards, a new web-site, and a direct mail campaign, all promoting and encouraging every resident to develop a loyal and enthusiastic attitude about spending in Owasso. The hope is that by keeping our dollars at home, our community will be a better place to live, work, and invest.

Buy Owasso, Build a Better Community.

Feedback from readers is welcomed. If you wish to contact the City Manager regarding this blog, send an email to cmanager@cityofowasso.com.