“Shop Local and Shop Small” is not just a catchy slogan. It has real economic impact for rural communities. Over the months of October and November, we have purposely visited local area small businesses in both Tyler and Wetzel counties, highlighting the many shopping and dining opportunities available. I sincerely hope that our visits have peaked enough of your interests to encourage you to consider first shopping where you live.
When you shop small local businesses, you put money into our local economy. That money allows small business owners to continue to operate and it adds to the quality of life for residents and visitors. The economic projections for both Tyler and Wetzel counties all emphasize the need for growing more small businesses and developing young entrepreneurs. The Chamber is committed to assisting in that endeavor.
As you plan for your holiday gift-giving, I urge you to first consider the offerings of area businesses. You will not only find many unique items, some only available locally, but you will also be contributing to the growth and sustenance of our local economy. The Chamber offers a gift certificate that can currently be used in at least 30 area businesses. We are continuing to expand that list.
1. Buy local to support yourself
Studies show 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, service providers and farms continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.
2. Be friendly to our environment
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.
3. Support community groups
Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.
4. 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 businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Our tourism businesses also benefit.
5. Local businesses create more jobs
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and, in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.
6. 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.
7. Invest in your 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.
8. Put your taxes to good use
Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. In addition, nationally owned businesses often demand tax incentives.
9. Encourage future investment
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.
10. Competition leads to more choices
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
