Why BUY LOCAL? It pays off. See 10 reasons to frequent local businesses:

1. Money stays in your community

Significantly more money stays locally when you buy at locally owned businesses. This is due in part to locally owned businesses purchasing more often from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Buying local helps grow other businesses and the local tax base. One recent study shows that locally-owned businesses generate a premium in enhanced economic impact. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the community and our tax base, compared to only $14 at a chain store.

2. Community Support

Non-profits receive far greater support from smaller locally-owned business owners than they do from large businesses.

3. Keep our community special

Where we shop, where we eat and live-all of it makes our community home. Our local businesses are part of the distinctive character of our neighborhood. Tourism also benefits. "When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace." ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust

4. Reduce our carbon-footprint

Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe.

5. More good local jobs

Small local businesses are the largest employers in our communities, providing the most jobs and keeping people in our area.

6. Better Service

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to meet customer needs.

7. Community Investment

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community who are more invested in the community's future.

8. Good use for our taxes

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and make good use of public services.

9. Better Market

A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A variety of local businesses, selecting products based on their interests and needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

10. Local Prosperity

Growing economic research shows that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.