The gift that keeps on giving…
Tis the Season to give the gift that gives back to our community.
By Kat Merrick
It’s well known that small businesses are not only the backbone of our economy, they’re the heart of our community. With Christmas just around the corner, and as we all hustle about to get our holiday shopping done, why not earmark some portion of your spending to local small business?
Consider it an investment in community — one that pays off in community benefits long after the holidays are over. Studies show that for every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 remained in the community versus $43 for chain stores. That’s a big difference.
In shopping at a local business one has the opportunity to not only find unique gifts, socialize with other locals, eat at local restaurants with world-class cuisine, wines and locally brewed beers – at the same time one helps create and support a vibrant sense of community that one can feel from interacting with our local businesses and their owners.
What a great way to get that holiday sprit going… by supporting our neighbors, who actually own those small businesses and who really can’t make it without your patronage. Truly, there are many good reasons to shop locally and to support small businesses, among them:
• Better Customer Service. Local retailers tend to get to know their customers, and the community they’re serving. Providing stellar customer service is the way that most small businesses set themselves apart from “big box” retailers.
• Improve the Community. Buying local has positive long-term benefits to local economy, because a higher percentage of money stays in the community. This enables cities to afford civic improvements, to better support schools, and to revitalize business districts.
• Support Local Charities. According to a survey by American Express, three–quarters of small business owners report that they donate a percentage of their profits to charity, with 5% of small firms donating more than 10% of their bottom line. They can’t continue to do so if we don’t do our part to keep them in business.
• Local Shopping Supports Local Hiring. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses accounted for 64 percent of net new job creation in the past 15 years.
• Be Green in Every Aspect. The impact on the environment is reduced, because local retailers make more local purchases, which require less transportation, contributing less to congestion and pollution.
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