Sustainable Connections hosts the ninth annual Independents Week from June 30 to July 6, which celebrates Whatcom County’s local, independently owned businesses.

The community organization will have a “spin-to-win” booth at the Bellingham Farmers Market on Saturday, June 30, to start the weeklong celebration. Visitors to the booth will have chances to win copies of the 2012 Where the Locals Go! coupon book, bumper stickers, buttons and other prizes donated by local businesses.

“Our independent businesses contribute to our one-of-a-kind community by providing variety, supporting our well-being, reducing their environmental impact, keeping our dollars recirculating which keeps our economy strong and providing local jobs,” said Michelle Grandy, Think Local First manager at Sustainable Connections, in a press release.

Businesses participating in the festivities will have “Choose this Independent Business” posters placed in their windows, and a directory of locally owned businesses will be inserted into local newspapers and also available at Sustainable Connections’ website.

To put folks into the “think local” mood, this year Sustainable Connections has introduced the Local Lover Mad Lib, where participants can submit a completed mad lib for a chance to win a “independently-inspired” night out on the town.

The winner of the contest will receive a $50 gift card to LaFiamma Wood Fire Pizza/Fiamma Burger, gift certificates for two ice cream cones from Mallard Ice Cream and two passes to the Pickford Film Center.

Sustainable Connections is also launching its new Bank Local First Campaign, which asks residents to put their money into a locally based community bank or credit union to bolster the local economy.