There are many well-documented
benefits to our community and to each of us in choosing local,
independently-owned businesses. We realize it is not always possible to
buy what you need locally and so merely ask you to Think Local FIRST!
Top Ten reasons to Think Local - Buy Local - Be Local
- Buy Local -- Support yourself: Several studies have shown
that when you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather
than a nationally-owned business, significantly more of your money is
used to make purchases from other local businesses and service providers -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the
community.
- Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
- Keep our community unique.
Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our
community home. Our one-of-a-kind business is an integral part of
the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also
benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out
destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just
anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation
Trust
- Reduce environmental impact:
Locally-owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less
transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as
opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing
less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
- Create more good jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
- Get better service: Local
businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the
products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers.
- Invest in community:
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are
less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
- Put your taxes to good use: Local
businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure
investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared
to nationally-owned stores entering the community.
- Buy what you want, not what someone wants you to buy:
A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way
to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of
small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales
plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers,
guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
- Encourage local prosperity:
A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly
homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to
invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind
businesses and distinctive character.
Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!
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