Buying from locally owned and independent businesses benefits the local economy
- Locally
owned businesses spend their profits locally, purchase more goods from
local suppliers, and employ their own office and support staff.
- When
more money gets re-circulated in the community, general prosperity as
well as tax revenues increase, creating a more vibrant and sustainable
economy.
- Locally owned businesses tend to stick around when times get harder. This creates more stability in the local economy.
- Because
they focus primarily on local markets, locally owned businesses tend to
be smaller and place a high premium on being easily accessible by local
residents. This cuts down on car travel and promotes sustainable
neighborhood economies while at the same time avoids high public
expenses for shopping center infrastructure costs.
. . . and the entire community
- Business owners, who live locally, take better care of the environment; participate in public life and local charities.
- A
wide variety of locally owned businesses contributes to a stronger
local identity and cultural diversity, creating an attractive place to
live and visit.
- Strengthening
our locally owned business community promotes authentic and meaningful
relationships between employees, business owners, customers, suppliers,
and neighbors. Chances are, when you buy from a locally owned business,
part of your purchase will benefit your neighbors and friends.
Locally owned business networks are successful in many other cities, such as Austin, TX; Boulder, CO; Bellingham, WA; and many more.
For more info see American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)
SOURCE: Study commissioned by Andersonville Department Corp. partnering with Andersonville Chamber of Commerce; October 2004.