Happy Holidays to All!
Remember to
Eat, Drink and Buy Local!
#1. Keep money in the neighborhood.
A recent study showed that locally owned, independent businesses put 70% more money back into the local community than chain stores, per square foot
occupied. A space filled with a local business rather than a chain puts more
dollars back in your neighborhood.
#2. Embrace what makes us different.
Hastings is our neighborhood. Where we shop, where we
eat and hang out – all of it makes this our home. Chain businesses
change the character of our neighborhood. If we wanted to live someplace that
looked like everywhere else, we wouldn’t be living here.
#3. Get better service.
In a local business, you
know the person behind the counter, and they know you. They have a deep
understanding of the products they’re selling, and they take time to serve
their customers.
#4. Create and keep good jobs.
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and small businesses account for the vast majority of job growth. Locally owned businesses are far less likely to pull up stakes and move operations to another city or country, taking their jobs with
them.
#5. Promote competition and diversity.
A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers and not on a national sales plan, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.
#6. Help out the environment.
Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases, requiring less transportation, and they generally set up shop in commercial corridors rather than developing on the fringe. This means less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.
#7. Support community groups.
Nonprofits receive an average of 350% more support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.
#8. Put your taxes to good use.
Local businesses in neighborhoods need comparatively less infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores
entering the community.
#9. Vote with your dollars.
#10. Invest in the community.
Local businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and are invested in the community with much more than just their dollars.
