Shoppers urged to keep it local

Like a growing number of Oklahomans, she tries to keep her money in local hands.

"I make a very concerted effort to buy locally always," said Miller, an interior designer. "I appreciate that my money will go to help my community."

The 3/50 Project is among local initiatives to encourage shoppers to seek out locally owned businesses.

The 3/50 Project is an online community of organizations and businesses that aim to "save the brick and mortars our nation is built on."

The project sells some logo-related items, but mainly serves as a resource for businesses to promote buying local.

The name 3/50 Project is a challenge to shoppers to spend $50 each at three locally owned stores. According to The 3/50 Project's website, for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.