Just in time for holiday shopping, Think Redmond, a buy-local program for the City of Redmond, recently launched a new and improved business directory on its website: www.thinkredmond.com.

This directory makes it easy for customers to find local shops, restaurants and services. Interactive Bing maps allow users to quickly sort through a variety of categories and easily find the business that fits their needs. At least half of the businesses in the directory also offer discounts to consumers using the site.

Think Redmond is a partnership between the Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce, City of Redmond, R-TRIP commute reduction program and local business owners. The program provides support to Redmond businesses and the local economy by encouraging residents to shop locally, thereby keeping their dollars in the community.

“Shopping in Redmond not only helps our local economy, it also has far-reaching effects such as lowering carbon emissions released into the atmosphere as residents travel shorter distances to shop,” said Jill Smith, R-TRIP Community Outreach Coordinator for the City of Redmond. “It saves time and gas for the shopper, helping them reduce stress and save money.”

The new directory also provides many additional benefits to local businesses including free marketing, the opportunity to stand out through photos and a listing in a discount directory distributed throughout the community.

For more information on how buy local program, or to join the Think Redmond business community, visit www.thinkredmond.com.