Why Buy Local?
by Griffin Meyers, member of the City of Maple Valley's Economic Development Committee
The economic downturn our country is experiencing is affecting all of us in many different ways; job losses, depreciation of housing prices and assets, cutting back on spending, the list goes on. Maple Valley’s Economic Development Committee would like to raise awareness around the benefits we all share when we consciously think about making our daily purchases within our community. For many of our residents, making purchases outside the city limits is convenient as they leave the city each day to go to work. Sure, not all items are available within our city limits, but if we all have a “buy local” focus we can make a difference that helps our community and neighbors thrive. Below are some benefits to think of when you make your next purchase.
- Buy Local – Support Yourself: Studies have shown that when you buy from a local business, 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.
- Keeping Dollars in the Local Community: Locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community. This comes in the form of tax revenue that stays local and studies have shown that local business owners contribute a much greater amount to non-profit groups in the area than outside businesses that serve our trade area. Many of our businesses are owned locally and have a deep vested interest in preserving our community’s future.
- Encourage Local Prosperity: 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. Many small businesses in our community employ our residents. By supporting them we can continue to grow our local workforce.
- Community Well-Being: Local businesses build strong communities by sustaining our town centers, linking neighbors in a web of relationships, and contributing to local causes. Where we shop, eat and have fun makes our community home.
- Local Decision Making: Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.
Many of us have our daily schedules and routines perfected to maximize the time needed to fulfill our many responsibilities. However, sometimes even a small change in behavior from the collective “us” can make a large impact on our community. We hope the bullet points above are a good exercise in awareness for all of us and spur a quick evaluation of how and where we spend our hard earned dollars.
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Added on 11/06/2009
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Guest Blogs by Chamber blog
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