PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Chair of the Small Business Advocacy Council, will launch the website for the statewide initiative Buy Local RI, at a press conference and reception THURSDAY, August 13th at 5:00 p.m. in the Bell Area of the State House.

Buy Local RI launched last year with a public awareness campaign encouraging Rhode Islanders to support locally owned, independent businesses. The Buy Local RI initiative created a working group which developed the website, dedicated to expanding the market for local businesses and products by connecting consumers and businesses to Rhode Island businesses. During the initial enrollment phase, all Rhode Island based independent businesses are encouraged to sign up for a free listing. Once businesses have signed up, a searchable database of local businesses will be on the website to help consumers and other Rhode Island businesses “buy local.”

The website launch also unveils the new logo for Buy Local RI.  The winning logo was chosen from among more then eighty submissions by local designers to a statewide competition earlier this year. In addition to the winning logo, many of the design submissions will be on display.

Refreshments, services and displays provided by local business sponsors will be featured at the reception including Dave’s Market, Eastside Marketplace, Glasswing Design, Greenvale Vineyards, Left Brain, New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Trinity Beer, Warwick Ice Cream, and Yacht Club Beverages.