GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is looking to stimulate the local economy.

Monday it unveiled a new campaign dedicated to boosting local business and helping the area recover from the recession.

The concept is easy: buy local, boost the local economy. The shop local campaign is called 'Jump on the Blue Band Wagon.' It gets its name from the blue bracelets being used to promote it.

Here's how it works: Pick up a blue bracelet from Bellco Credit Union, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, Mesa Mall or US Tech. Then wear your bracelet to participating businesses and receive discounts.

The Chamber says for every $1 locally you spend you can have a positive impact of $3. The idea is that if more and more people buy local, the effects on local businesses trying to recover from the recession will be great.

The Chamber stresses that buying locally is a mindset. People need to know they have a choice and can make a difference just by where they spend their money. That's why the number one priority of the Jump on the Blue Band Wagon Campaign is to change local consumer attitudes on how shopping locally can stimulate the economy, create jobs, generate tax dollars for streets, police and fire protection and generate money for local non–profits.

11 Cares is jumping on the Blue Band Wagon. Look for special messages on 11 News about how the program can make a real difference.

Click on the link below under 'Related Links' for more information and a list of participating businesses.