Jump-start economy by shopping locally

By admin on Jul 4, 2009 | In Neighbors, Energy | Send feedback »

Have you noticed the fog lately? No, not that kind of fog. I mean the fog that descends over most people's eyes when discussions turn to the economy. Just the mention of trillions, czars, the Dow, foreclosures, or unemployment rates and the clouds begin to cover the eyeballs. Understandably, the fog comes from a feeling of helpless disconnection from the economy. What can you do about it? Can you have some influence over the situation? You bet!

Shop locally!

There are many reasons to to visit your local merchants. Hundreds of studies show that when residents shop locally they are fortifying the local character of the community, building important business relationships, creating a diverse business community that reflects the unique needs and personality of their customers. I agree. All of that is good, yet there are some even more compelling reasons to shop locally:

  • For every $1 spent locally, at least 75 cents of that dollar is "spent" back into the community. Some studies suggest that there is a "multiplier effect" and that each dollar spent locally will return five times that amount to the community in the form of taxes, employee wages, materials and supplies, school funding, and support for community service organizations.
  • Most new jobs are created by local employers. As our area evolves over the next five to ten years, more retail, healthcare, technology, education, and other types of employment opportunities will slow the "leakage" of talent and spending revenue to other areas of Southern Arizona. A vibrant, self-sustaining, local economy could become a reality.

  • Energy savings. Lets say a shopping trip to Tucson from Green Valley or Sahuarita puts 60 miles on your vehicle, and your vehicle gets 20 MPG. At today's gas prices of about $2.65 per gallon, you have just spent $7.95 to give another community your Shop Locally dollars. Good for them, not so good for you.

    So, where should we go from here?

    Residents: Start exploring your communities. Take a friend with you and discover just how much your communities have to offer. Visit that gift shop you have heard about. Use a local Realtor. Try that new restaurant. Use local service companies. If you work in Tucson, do your shopping locally - you'll be surprised at what you will find just a mile or two from your home and you can save time and money too.

    Businesses: Step up your game. Welcome your customers as if your success depends upon them - it does. Find out what they want and give it to them. If you don't have what the customer is looking for, refer them to another local company - keep the dollars here. Make sure you deliver value to every customer and give them a reason to return to your business.

    Mark Bollin is a Partner in the firm AdHoc Business Resources, LLC. Reach him at 520-548-5643, mbollin@adhocbiz.com or www.adhocb

     

     

     

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