Loud and Clear: Keep It in Cobb

John Loud, owner of Loud Security Systems in Kennesaw, believes in the Keep It In Cobb Initiative so much that he is putting his money where his beliefs are.

The is to support locally-owned businesses, maintain the unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, and build community economic strength. The program was initiated by during her election campaign in 2010.

The program is now a partnership with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the 11 business associations in Cobb County to promote awareness of buying local and supporting Cobb businesses. It is a three-tier approach: business to business, business to consumer, and business to government, says Loud, who got involved at Commissioner Birrell's request.

"In this tough economy, let's make the choice of doing business with Cobb County businesses," said Loud, who served as president of the Kennesaw Business Association last year. "It's a totally different way to do business."

Loud said an example of how he has changed his business buying included a decision to buy company outerwear from a vendor in Acworth rather than one from New York.

"We did a little research and found we could get the same item cheaper and right in our own backyard," said Loud, who leads the ninth largest security provider in Atlanta. "With the price of gas these days, we are now taking our company's marketing efforts in a different direction and keeping it in Cobb."

Loud, who has been in business 17 years and currently has 26 employees, said the Keep It In Cobb program has no paid staff and is all volunteers.

"This concept is vital to our economy right now," said Loud, who is concentrating his marketing efforts on Cobb schools, local ballfields, and local businesses with billboards, storefront signage and scoreboards. "My business could be gone tomorrow, but I'm still a member of this community and I need to support it."

For more information on the Keep It In Cobb program, visit www.keepitincobb.com.

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