The Good Ol' Days...

Everyone likes to talk about the good ol' days when you used to walk to the corner store and pick up a Coke for a nickel and you knew the shop owner and most everyone you met on the way there.  Well, gone are the days of Coke for a nickel but you can still hold on to a little piece of Americana by getting to know your local shop owner.  Local businesses provide a certain level of personal service that is almost unattainable at a big chain store.  That personal service creates a bond between you and the owner, creating a feeling of trust and friendship.  Buying from someone you know and trust always feels better than buying from a total stranger whom you know nothing about. 

These days it is more important than ever to support local businesses.  They are an integral part of the fabric of your community.  Times are tight for most people so make sure the dollars you do spend are going to a place you want to support.  That's where the 3/50 Project comes in.  Their philosophy is simple, choose 3 businesses that you would really hate to lose and spend just $50 per month supporting those businesses.  According to the 3/50 Project, if half of the employed population would spend that amount it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue!  That would have a tremendous impact on the local economy.  Another interesting fact from 3/50, for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 is returned to the local economy, if you spend in a national chain only $43 remains in your locality.  If you spend on line...nothing stays at home. 

Next time you are looking for a special gift or just an everyday purchase think of your local retailer.  They carry unique items you can't get just anywhere and you may just make a friend.

Visit the3/50Project for more information.