December 18, 2008

From the Publisher

Shop within our communities

William Bellou
Times Media Inc.

How many times have we seen a small business open up in our community, say to ourselves, “Oh, that’s great, I’ll have to get in there,” and then drive by months later and realize that we have not taken the time to visit the new venture.

Our intentions are good. And maybe if we had seen various advertisements reminding us about the new establishment, we would have made that visit. And when we finally do appear at the new business we are pleasantly surprised that a product or service we have been driving across town for is here in our neighborhood.

Recently I visited a local business owner who also lives in the community and someone walked in saying “I didn’t know you were here.” The owner replied: “We’ve been opened for 27 years!”

The best part of visiting a business is when it’s locally owned; it’s not just a business, but a person - possibly a neighbor or someone we know from the gym, the park, or a school event.

It’s personal.

I think of the excitement they must have had when first getting the idea for the business, putting it together and actually seeing it take shape. Then, as the excitement slowly fades and the reality of success or failure is in plain view, the realization of such a brave move takes hold.

It is all of our responsibility to help local business people succeed. It is the core of a community, the lifeblood. Without our local business partners, we would be left with only the large national chains with no ties to our community. And do you know that many local businesses give money to local charities and school scholarship programs. And if they can not give money, they give merchandise or in some cases they actually donate their time for the good of the local community.

So, this holiday season, I have made a pact with myself to purchase everything I possibly can from local purveyors. It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and get an actual person on the line or walk into a place and talk to the same person who sold you an item.

Holiday dinners and parties? Local restaurants only. There’s something to be said about walking into a place “where everyone knows your name.” And most businesses, especially restaurants, can provide gift certificates anytime of the year.

Not that all locally owned businesses are perfect. Many of them are owned by people who have never been in business for themselves before, but because they dreamed and dared they deserve our patronage. And don’t be afraid to offer some constructive criticism when needed. If we stick with them now, think of the gratitude they will show us later.

I hope you will join me in patronizing locally owned businesses this holiday season and throughout the new year.
It’s not just business, it’s personal.

Happy Holiday!