Here in St. Louis, a company called The Newsmagazine Network has begun an advertising campaign promoting local business. The company publishes three local newspapers so they obviously have a vested interest in seeing other local businesses succeed. They call their program Shop H.E.R.E. (Help Energize the Region's Economy).
There are similar programs in other cities, but the thing I found interesting about this one is their list of 10 reasons to Shop H.E.R.E. Here it is:
- Local Character - One
of a kind businesses are an integral part of our region’s distinctive
character. They make you feel like you are “someplace” instead of
“anyplace”.
- Local Decision Making
- Local business owners will directly feel the impact of the important
decisions they make, which encourages them to make better decisions for
the community as a whole.
- Local Impact - A dollar spent with a locally owned business has three times the local
economic impact of a dollar spent with a
national chain, which keeps more money
circulating locally in terms of sales tax, city
services and neighborhood improvements.
- Local Jobs -
Small businesses are still the number one employer in this country.
They tend to hire from within the community and place a great value on
their employees.
- Customer Service - Locally owned businesses will often hire
people with more specific product knowledge
who can therefore provide more personalized customer service.
- Public Benefit - Locally owned businesses
tend to require less investment in infrastructure
and tax subsidies than do national chains.
These businesses also tend to make more
efficient use of city services.
- Diversity - A
diverse marketplace featuring locally owned businesses ensures a wide
selection of products tailored specifically to the needs of the local
consumer.
- Competition - A competitive marketplace featuring locally owned businesses ensures innovation and low prices over the long term.
- Giving Back - Non-profit
organizations receive on average 350% greater support from local
business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.
- Stable Communities - Economic research shows that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and live in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.
We wish them, and all similar programs, the best of luck in promoting local businesses.
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