During the past year, the advantages of spending our consumer dollars locally has gained well-deserved attention. To help promote the "Buy Local" idea further, the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce will devote its August 28 Business Before Hours event to a panel discussion of the issue.

The event kicks off a collaborative marketing and educational campaign, which is a partnership between the chamber, the City of Marysville, the Tulalip Tribes, North County Outlook, the Marysville Globe, Arlington Times and The Herald.

"Clearly, it makes sense to buy local, whether as an individual consumer or a business owner," said chamber executive Caldie Rogers. "The benefits of keeping our money in our own communities can create a domino effect that can preserve a neighborhood and our quality of life, even in an economic slow down."

The August 28 panel will consist of Police Chief Rick Smith, Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen, Marysville Globe and Arlington Times publisher DeAnna Emborski, North County Outlook publisher Beckye Randall, and Sean Flaherty of the Everett Herald.

Cost to attend the chamber's monthly Business Before Hours is $23 with pre-reservations or $28 at the door. The meeting, which starts at 7 a.m., is held at the Canoes Cabaret in the Tulalip Casino and includes a full buffet breakfast, networking opportunities and prize drawings. Phone (360) 659-7700 for more information.