Buy Local Has New Meaning in Big Business

Blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Company
Apr 25, 2011 9:45 AM ET

Taiga Company blog by Julie Urlaub, Founder and Managing Partner at Taiga Compa…

Over the past few decades, procurement organizations have vigorously evaluated the strategic value opportunities in their supply base.  Some found leverage in consolidating and even outsourcing what they considered transactional functions.  In general, ‘taking the supply chain global’ to tap new and emerging markets has been the overarching direction.  However, shifting dynamics may now make ‘buying local’ a sustainable supply chain management strategy worth exploring. 

A recent article, Adapting to a shifting landscape, posed the question: Are supply chains changing shape?  Citing increasing risks in global supply chain logistics, the need for increased visibility and control may be slowing the global supply push.   “Multiple tiers of widely distributed suppliers are hard and costly to track, and it is difficult to exert influence in the face of rising demand from other industries and markets.  Thus, companies are beginning to source closer to home due to such reasons as higher fuel and commodity prices and the need for greater supply chain responsiveness, reduced lead times, and lower inventory requirements.”   Our professional consulting finds that many leading companies now realize the unique value in sustainable supply chain management as a strategic in-house competency.  Click here to read more how buy local has new meaning in big business.  

Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".