Small business is a big deal! It is our local businesses that continuously sponsor and support nonprofits and important causes in our Valley. I have worked for nonprofits most of my life and I decided a long time ago to support local businesses that sponsor programs and events to provide children’s programs, healthy lifestyles and support events that bring millions of dollars to our community.
At The Chamber, we work every day to support local business. We are making connections, building community and inspiring success. The events we support literally bring millions of dollars to our economy each year.
This year we urge you to take the Shop Local Pledge: Before you shop out of town or online, check with our local businesses. They can often meet or beat prices online. Advantages include:
• Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy. For every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community.
• Community Well-Being. Local businesses build strong communities that link neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships.
• Local Character and Prosperity. Communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage.
• Returning Dollars to the Community. Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the community in which they operate than chain competitors.
• Small Businesses are Big Employers. Small businesses employ 77 million Americans and accounted for 65 percent of all new jobs over the past 17 years.
These are just a few of the benefits of buying local. Won’t you help us with our mission? Together we will achieve so much more!
Mary Austin Crofts
Executive Director, The Chamber – Hailey & The Wood River Valley