“For every $100 that gets spent at a locally owned business, it’s estimated that $45 goes back into our community,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares.

WAILUKU — Mayor Charmaine Tavares last week announced a new program called “Got Choice… Think Local” designed to encourage residents and visitors to support Maui businesses by buying local products first.

Cosponsored by the County of Maui, Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, Pacific Radio Group, KAOI Radio Group, Maui

County Farm Bureau, Maui Printing Company, Maui News and Maui Cattle Company, the program kicks off on Feb. 2.

Promotions — including incentives for consumers that buy local products, and coupons valid for various benefits offered by participating local businesses — are scheduled to run for the duration of the month.

“This free program helps keep that money in our community by encouraging shoppers to buy local,” said Tavares.

Businesses can offer information on the products they are promoting and reach out to potential customers through joint marketing via print, radio, the Internet and on the Think Local Facebook page.

Participating businesses will receive a listing on the “Got Choice… Think Local” being developed in partnership with Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, and be included in print advertising, radio and the official “Think Local” brochure.

Applications are available through the county Office of Economic Development at www.mauicounty.gov/oed.

Completed applications may be submitted to Linn Nishikawa & Associates Inc., 569 Kulaiwi Drive, Wailuku, HI 96793, by fax 242-6668 or by e-mail to linnpr@hawaii.rr.com.

Applications must be received by Jan. 29, 2010.

For more information, visit www.mauicounty.gov or call the Office of Economic Development at 270-7710.