Enroll: Institutions

Restricted to businesses that document significant efforts to purchase and promote locally grown products.

Enroll in the Local Hero Prorgam for 2024 Here!

Local Hero membership benefits

All members benefit from CISA’s aggressive advertising and marketing campaign and promotion of our trademarked slogan Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown^® and Local Hero logo.

Membership benefits include:

• Permission to use the Local Hero logo
• Listing in the searchable online guide
• Starter kit of Local Hero price cards and stickers
• A “We Support Local Agriculture” sign for new members
• Access to additional low-cost Local Hero supplies and merchandise. See more information here.
• Access to CISA marketing expertise and technical assistance
• Members-only networking events
• Monthly members-only e-newsletters
• Discounts on CISA workshops, events, and products
• Eligibility to serve on CISA’s board and committees
• Eligibility to apply for Grinspoon farm grants
• CISA staff will review ad copy, materials, grants, etc. if needed
• Priority opportunity to participate in CISA’s annual fundraising event
• Opportunity to promote your business’ events on CISA’s website and e-newsletter

Local Hero membership fees

CISA is again offering a sliding scale payment structure for membership fees in 2024 in a continued effort to make access to Local Hero membership more equitable. We invite you to determine the amount you are able to pay without compromising your operation.

In past years, the cost membership was determined by an institution’s total annual dining service revenue. This year we are asking institutions pay what they can between $150 and $1,100. This cost covers staff time to maintain the Online Guide, execute marketing opportunities, “Buy Local” consumer advertising, the cost of the Local Hero POP starter kit, one-on-one CISA staff assistance, and overhead costs. Please use the graphic and the benchmarks below to determine the price you will pay.

If your annual dining service revenue is … / Then your membership fee is:

Under $2 million / $150
$2,000,000 to $3,999,000 / $150-$450 Range
$4,000,000 to $$10,999,000 /  $300-$800 Range
Over $11,000,000 / $700-$1,100 Range

If your institution does not calculate revenue specific to dining services, we will work with you to develop an alternative measure (i.e. meals served).

Not Sure What to Pay?

$150 covers the cost of the POP starter kit and networking opportunities.

$500 covers the staff time to maintain the online guide and to execute marketing opportunities as well as the cost of the Local Hero starter kit and 1×1 CISA staff assistance.

Those who pay $1,001 or more help subsidize the cost of those who are unable to afford the baseline price. If you are able to pay more it’s greatly appreciated by CISA and your fellow members.

Potentially win one of 3 $100 Visa Gift Cards for Completing Year-End Survey!

*Complete our survey here and get entered into a raffle if you are a returning member!
CISA strives to improve the programs and support we provide to you and we value your feedback. Please take the time to complete our year-end survey and be entered in a raffle to win one of three $100 gift cards.

Multiple listings or memberships

If you own more than one business you can get them listed. Please refer to the sliding scale to determine the cost you will pay per listing. If you also own a farm you want listed, use the Local Hero farmer and farmer co-op enrollment form to register that business. For any questions contact Jen Smith at 413-665-7100 x22.