More Good News

Recently, on the Today Show (channel 5) there was a guest who urged people to shop locally. She actually said that there are better deals to be had from local merchants than from big boxes or internet sites. I hope someone beside myself was listening!
Here’s several reasons to spend your $5.00 in Blue Island:

1. Keep the Dollars in Our Local Economy
When you shop in our community you fund more services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement, and promote community development.
2. Local Business Owners Invest in Community
Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
3. Support Community Businesses
The well-being of a community benefits when you shop locally. Our area businesses build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communities, contributing to local charities, supporting sports teams, festivals, service clubs, school activities and the list goes on.
4. It’s in Your BackyardWin – Win!
Reduce your environmental footprint and save money at the same time. Shopping in Blue Island means no need for long drives and traffic jams. You’re not burning fuel and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Consider What Our Retailers Are Facing
They purchased their stock six months ago hoping to sell it today for a profit, pay their employees, pay their taxes, heat and water, donate to charity, and hopefully pay themselves. Instead they are being asked to sell it for a loss.
6. More Jobs and Wages
Supporting our local merchants means more jobs and better wages for our community. These wages, in turn, are spent again in our community as employees purchase goods and services from local merchants.
7. Keep Our City Unique
We have a variety of unique specialty shops and products. These businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of our community. By choosing to support local businesses you help maintain our diversity and distinct flavor.
8. Get Better Service
Our area merchants take pride in hiring the right people who are passionate about their products and services....let’s support them by shopping locally. And consider if you have a problem with the item you have purchased you can easily return it to a local merchant for service.
9. Lots of Great Products
With so many great stores, markets, and restaurants, the choices are many. There is a broad range of products available.
10. We love our Community – Let’s Keep our Money
HereWe can encourage local prosperity by keeping our hard earned dollars in our local economy.

Candace Carr
CARR home-garden-holiday