Small Town News

Shop locally to build a stronger community

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With the holiday season upon us, it is a perfect time to think about how our choices as consumers impact our community. The holiday shopping season is the perfect time to practice being a conscientious consumer. Many of us have already made small but significant changes in our shopping behavior for positive impact. We make choices that reduce our impact on the environment, help us live and eat healthier and save money. Being a conscientious consumer can also help build a stronger community. Making an effort to shop locally this holiday season will help build a stronger local economy that supports local jobs, builds the tax base needed to pay for local government services and encourages new business development.

The Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce encourages Mason County citizens to "Put Your Money Where Your House Is" by shopping locally. Shopping locally means making an investment in the community where you live. Studies have shown for every $100 spent in a local, independently owned business, $68 is reinvested back into the local economy. One dollar spent at a locally owned business will return five times that amount within the community through local taxes, employees' wages, and purchase of materials and supplies at other local businesses. In addition, these businesses turn that dollar back into the community through school funding, social services, and contributions to local non-profit organizations. Local businesses are owned by people who five in this community and are invested in the community's future. Even President Obama said economic recovery was dependent on investing in our small businesses.

Local businesses add to the character of Mason County, contributing more than just goods and services. They offer personalized attention, add diversity to our shopping options, and bring life to our historic buildings. Each time you choose to spend your dollars at a local business, you are voting for the continued strength and vitality of our community.

Our community has a strong ethic for stepping up to do the right thing when needed. Our community is in need now. Please be a conscientious consumer this holiday season. Please make it a habit and a purpose to shop locally and put your money where your house is.



Copyright 2010 Shelton-Mason County Journal, Shelton, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2010 Shelton-Mason County Journal Shelton, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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