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COMMUNITY BENEFITS
We asked people in the community "What does buying from local independent businesses do for you? What do you get out of the experience?" These were their answers:
- "I enjoy the uniqueness of the local stores."
- "I can usually talk with the owner."
- "Employees recognize me."
- "It's a slower, more enjoyable way of spending my time."
- "If a store doesn't have a product, they can almost always get it for me, and quickly."
- "I shop locally for a higher quality of life."
- "I value the community enough to shop locally; it is a value issue with me. I feel good about shopping local."
- "Service, Service, Service - with a smile!"
YOUR CHOICE DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We tend to do business where we believe we are receiving the best value for our time and money. When informed, we might choose to patronize locally owned retailers because we are aware of the benefits to our community and ourselves. When we make a purchase, we are not only affecting our personal finances and resources, but are also determining the health of our local economy and defining the prosperity of our community. When speaking of our "favorite" restaurant or shop, most of us cite a unique locally owned business. Most people embrace the idea of distinctive businesses with local character, but often forget that the survival of these local retailers depends on our patronage. We become consumed by bargain hunting and often forget how much of our lives we spend shopping, eating out, and doing other business. We owe it to ourselves to consider the quality of our consumer experience, and to learn how we benefit when we choose a community-based business.
THE "MULTIPLIER EFFECT"
The money spent at local businesses has far-reaching effects. Local independent businesses assist the community through a "multiplier effect": one dollar spent at a local business will return five dollars within the community through taxes, employees' wages, and purchases of materials and supplies from other independent businesses. They employ a wide array of supporting services including accountants, architects, attorneys, advertising agencies, sign makers and printers. Small manufacturers look to local retailers to introduce and give their new products a chance. Local retailers are free to accept and take a chance with the goods of these manufacturers. This results in the creation of more jobs for local producers. Even though a single local shop might have a limited selection of goods, in a healthy community, a multiplicity of local, independent retailers creates great diversity and selection.
BUSINESSES SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
Local owners, typically having invested much of their life savings in their business, have an obvious and natural interest in the long-term health of their community. These businesses are essential to charitable endeavors, with employees frequently serving on local boards and supporting a variety of causes within the community including school funding, social services, and contributions to local non-profit organizations.
THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY
What type of future do we want for our community? Local, independent businesses are the heart of the Gallatin Valley and beyond. They comprise its unique character; they provide diversity, options, personalized attention, and bring life to our many historic buildings. Among other things, we can get a haircut, buy a book, choose paint, make copies, get fresh produce, buy a good bottle of wine and fresh seafood to grill, find a great vintage dress, have a fresh croissant, rent skis or a snowboard, select a diamond ring, sell or buy a house, get a fishing license, cater a luncheon, or fill a prescription. Each time we spend a dollar, we would do well to weigh the full value of our choice, not only for our own benefit, but also for what it means to the health and vitality of our community in the years to come. Buy local? You bet!
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