This Saturday, November 25th, is nationally known as “Small Business Saturday.” We wish to encourage you to Shop Small this whole Holiday Season. From Black Friday, clear through to New Year’s, to see how easy it is to get everything you need and want, right here in White Pine County. This holiday season, making a commitment to shop local or support small businesses, you do more than cycle money back into your communities. You make a world of difference.
White Pine’s small businesses continue to be the backbone of our regional economy. Although local small businesses are often considered underdogs next to big box stores, global corporations, and large supply chains, the benefits of supporting local businesses demand our attention. Far too often on Facebook, we see locals posting their desire to have a Walmart or Target here in White Pine County. This type of lazy thinking leaves out the long term effects on local businesses. Like most, we shop at large chain stores because they have the “best deals” and it’s easy to find everything you’re looking for in one place. However, buying local is better for your community and for your wallet.
Local revenue generated through sales taxes from local businesses support our local governments. These dollars are reinvested in our community. Big box retailers often receive tax breaks from state and federal governments, eliminating the customer’s return on their investments. Choosing to give your hard earned money to a large chain somewhere else means our local communities won’t reap any of the benefits.
White Pine’s small businesses, especially White Pine Chamber Member Businesses are known to play the most significant role in supporting our local community charities and nonprofits, as well as educational programs. Local businesses benefit from a strong economy and therefore these local owners are often the most engaged members of the community. Statistically, local small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to local nonprofits and community causes, creating a positive cycle of giving back.
Local store owners value each customer and their livelihood hangs on your happiness. It’s the local businesses hiring local people, to provide young people their first chances to gain experience; often hiring folks on a second or third chance. Local business owners have the most proficient knowledge of their products, know the ins and outs of their industry, and can lead you to the best results faster. Locals take the time to get to know clients, customers, and colleagues, which makes an overall pleasant local experience. You won’t get that from online shopping or a robot answering your phone call.
For small businesses to stay afloat, they need to stand out from their big box competition. It’s this type of survival-of-the-fittest mentality that allows small-business owners to become innovative entrepreneurs. The American dream is Small-business ownership, making it on your own, making a mark on your surroundings in a big way. Supporting local small businesses and shopping small here in White Pine, you’re supporting real, genuine people who have put their passion ahead of convenience and whole-heartedly believe in the business they are running.
This holiday season is the best time to encourage family and friends alike to think locally, by shopping small, supporting local and funding a better tomorrow right here at home.
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