Something Called Community . . .

"Money is like blood. It needs to keep moving around to keep the economy going. When money is spent elsewhere—at big supermarkets, non-locally owned utilities and other services such as on-line retailers—it flows out, like a wound." ~ David Boyle

Here is a list of the top ten reasons why you should both expect that locals use your business and why you should support your fellow businesses. Remember, it is a two-way street! If you expect your neighbor to shop at your retail store, you need to return the favor and use their service.

 

Shopping local boosts the local economy because more of the money you spend in your local independent business stays in the community then if you shopped at a big-box store or out of town. 

Shopping local creates jobs. Small, local businesses are the largest employers nationally. When we support local shops and services, we are supporting the process of creating local jobs. 

Local business support community groups. Local businesses are more likely to support local events, schools, charities and sports groups. When you shop at a local business you are in essence supporting your community.

Shopping local supports the character of Drummond. Drummond’s friendly and authentic small community atmosphere is created by the people and the businesses. Our distinctive shops and services contribute to our quality of life and to the character of Drummond Island. Shopping local keeps these businesses here.

Shopping local increases our tax base. When you support and invest your day-to-day dollar in Drummond business you are contributing to our tax base which improves the services we all benefit from. No local business means higher taxes for everyone.

Local businesses invest in Drummond Island. When we support local business we support the future of our community. Businesses owned by Drummond Island folks are less likely to leave the community and are more invested in our success.

Supporting local business encourages investment. Research is stating entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities, like Drummond, that preserve and support independent and distinctive businesses. 

Local business offers choices. Over the long term, successful local businesses are able to supply products based on local needs, interests and demands rather than based on national sales strategies. 

Shopping local saves services. Private and public services tend to cluster around shops. As retail merchants disappear, so do services such as hairdressers, banks, restaurants, and other businesses. 

Shopping local saves you time and money. By not traveling to out of town shops, you are saving on fuel (money and the environment) and time. By buying local and what you need, rather than all those “deals” on your way to cashier at a big box store, you are saving money and reducing items that will just go to the landfill anyway!

I have inherited a belief in community, the promise that the gathering of kindred spirits can both create and change culture. We don't accomplish anything in this world alone  - whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something good. Something called community.