Every year, for more than a decade, we’ve been running a SHOP LOCAL section in the weeks running up to Christmas. It evolved to the successful (and prize-winning) format we use now. It’s not just a gimmick, though. We mean it … to our core.
In the 25 years that I’ve been editor of the Tri-County News (and 24 years as publisher too), I’ve seen hometown businesses come and stay or come and go. I’ve witnessed the tremendous effort it takes to start up something brand-new; the risk, the challenges, and the rewards. I’ve also seen businesses shifting to a younger generation – and that brings a whole new set of challenges.
It’s not easy being a business owner these days. Gone are the days when you could open your door, hang a sign above it, and sit back and fill your cash register. Internet shopping – and the availability of just about anything on the Internet – is a big challenge for mom-and-pop shops. So is corporate greed, gobbling up smaller businesses, and willing to undercut the “little guys” long-term.
I don’t need to remind you, though, that the Internet shopping experience is cold and heartless. Too often, we have to settle for what’s there rather than exactly what we want. And the computerized “Thank you for your order” message rings shallow and impersonal.
We have choices in how we spend our hard-earned money. Every dollar spent is a vote of sorts: a vote for cold and corporate, or hometown and personal. Do you choose to have your purchase help fund a billionaire’s fifth vacation home, or help provide little Suzie or Jimmy with piano lessons or a Community Ed class.
Local businesses pay local salaries and taxes. Local businesses support sports teams and community events. Local businesses want your family and your community to thrive. And local businesses work hard to earn and keep your business. Whenever you have the choice, I hope you’ll “vote” with your hard-earned dollars for your local hard-working businesses!
And don’t forget that the Tri-County News is a business too. Our sole support financially comes from advertising (thank you, advertisers!) and subscriptions. We work hard to bring you news and information each week, in an attractive “package,” and it is your subscription that shows appreciation of our hard work, and helps pay the bills (like local salaries and taxes). Thank you, subscribers, for your weekly affirmation of our hard work!