So its the end of 2009, and I am just thinking about the year. With all the financial and world turbulence I have a lot to be grateful for. Still gainfully employed, family relatively healthy, happy and looking forward to the arrival of a new niece, money in the bank (regardless of how little), and intrigue of a new year just around the corner.
Somewhere in the middle of 2009, I became very interested in purchasing from local businesses. Subsequently, I read the 3/50 Project website and was jealous I didn't think of it myself. If you haven't seen it check it out. (www.the350project.net)
In 2010 I want to talk about the local business. While I have a job and a busy schedule I hope to highlight some of my favorites and I hope you all will share yours too.
I live in Connecticut and there are lots of great businesses in Connecticut that need our support to survive. This is true of every state. If we, as consumers, want options of where we can purchase products and services we need to purchase from those businesses. It should be easy, but it may require you go slighlty out of your way, make an additonal stop or pay slightly more. But what you get in return is, hopefully better service and a connection to the business owner and a more vital and successful community. When I take my dry cleaning to Luca's on Spring Street, Luca always greats me with a smile, gives me great service and cleaning and I know he is a long time supporter of Manchester. It's also nice to think the money I spend there supports his family with children and grandchildren. If I chose somewhere else, I would be supporting a business but wouldn't have the direct connection to where my money goes.
Based on the 350 Project site 68% of every $100 spent in a local business goes back into our local communities, versus other business where the percentage is only 43% and online it is zero. My family directly benefits from customers who purchase locally two of my sisters own Paper & Grace a fine stationery and gift store in Jackson Hole Wyoming. They wouldn't exist if their community didn't purchase from them. In part, because of their customers, Erin's daughter can take swim lessons, Bruce & Erin can go out to dinner at one of their local favorites, and from time to time they can come home to Connecticut for a visit. For that I am specifically grateful for every one who purchased from Paper & Grace in 2009 and hope for more purchases in 2010.
Now my mission is not necessarily to say purchase everything locally but rather look for a balance that works for you. I love some of the major stores and they serve a purpose as well. But if we all can find a few ways each month to purchase locally the benefits will be significant.
I hope this has gotten you to think a little more about your purchasing and the impact you and your dollars have on the communities you live. If you have business you would like to recommend post a comment with information.
