Park&Co launched a “Buy Local Advertising” campaign, and I’ve already been told we’re crazy. Who in their right mind would promote their competition? We would.

Have you ever heard that old adage that a rising tide lifts all boats?

You buy local produce, seek out locally owned stores, and drink local wines. So why go to other markets like L.A. for your advertising? Phoenix agencies offer a wealth of talent, from brand strategy and development to international award-winning creative, as well as innovative interactive campaigns and Hollywood-caliber film and video production. And you don’t have to look far. We created a microsite with the top shops in the area. Compare Arizona agencies to anyone, anywhere.

Have you seen Park&Co’s Goodwill of Central Arizona ad campaign? Not only has it helped them grow by more than 300 percent since 2003 (the fastest growing Goodwill in the nation), Goodwill operations across the country have used elements of the campaign to ignite their own growth.

Remember the hilarious hockey spot for America West Airlines, or the bare butt cowboy commercial for Joe Boxer? Creative agencies like Moses Anshell have been creating internationally award-winning work in Arizona for decades.

Off Madison Avenue, Riester, and EB Lane, among other agencies, are drawing Fortune 500 clients to Phoenix for their advertising and marketing work, including Nintendo, Nike, Coca-Cola, and Kiewit.

We applaud the likes of US Airways, Fender, Avnet and Discount Tire for keeping their advertising local. It helps more than just the advertising community.

According to Local First Arizona, for every $100 spent for goods and services at a locally-owned business, $73 remains in the AZ economy.

Arizona is trying to heal the P.R. black eye and business boycott created by SB1070. We’re battling a historic state deficit, lack of investment in education and nearly 10 percent unemployment, among other issues. As Arizona businesses, we’re all affected. When you exercise your spending power elsewhere, you build a local economy someplace far from home, and your neighbors feel it.

So, if you want to buy your maple syrup out of state, that’s fine by us. But if its business-building brand strategy and creative you’re looking for, we encourage you to shop locally.

And no worries if you pick another local firm over us. Just tell them Park&Co sent you.