Chamber: “Shop Small” this holiday season

November 28, 2019–10:02 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS/ROME-FLOYD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Rome Floyd Chamber is proud to be a Shop Small Neighborhood Champion this year.

Jeannie Krieger with the chamber said the Shop Small Campaign encourages area residents to do their holiday shopping here in Rome and Floyd County.

She said the dollars spent here in the community have a far-reaching impact.

“One is that it helps sustain jobs here and it helps add jobs to our base of employees,” she said.  “These are our neighbors and friends who have these jobs.  These different businesses in Rome and Floyd County are what keep our community unique.”

Shopping local is also good news for the tax base.

“The dollars spent add to our sales taxes which go back to help our schools with resources they need,” Krieger added.  “By spending dollars locally, you not only help sustain and add jobs, but it also helps our school system and our students.

What Happens When You Shop Local

  1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy

For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. 

  1. You embrace what makes your community unique

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

  1. You create local jobs

Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.

  1. You help the environment

Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.

  1. You nurture community

Local business owners know you, and you know them. 

  1. You conserve your tax dollars

Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong— in your community!

  1. You create more choice

Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wid­er array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.

  1. You took advantage of their expertise

You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?

  1. You invested in entrepreneurship

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business en­sures a strong community.

  1. You made your community a destination

The more interesting and unique you community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!

Source: Civic Economics – Andersonville Study of Retail Economics.