Why Spend Local

If you've ever wondered why you should shop locally or visit the neighborhood restaurant. Below are a few reasons to make you a believer!

When you shop local, you invest into the community. In this economic climate, the best return on investment is in local business. It is estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store than a national store.

Reasons to shop at locally-owned businesses:

1. Significantly more money re-circulates: More money is kept in the community because local businesses purchase from other local businesses and grows the tax base.

2. Most new jobs are provided by local businesses: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and provide the most new jobs to residents.

3. One-of-a-kind businesses create a distinctive character and create a destination for others to visit.

4. Local business owners 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.

5. Reduced 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.

6. Public benefits far outweigh public costs: Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

You can make a difference with a few simple steps
* Make a decision to find and patronize a locally owned business, wherever possible.
* Dine at a local, independent restaurant and treat yourself to a unique and personal dining experience.
* When you shop online with out-of-state companies, it doesn't contribute a dime to the local economy. So check for businesses who offer the same products nearby.