My friend Eric Zimmerman said it best “think globally, drink locally”… it was on the back of a T-Shirt that he handed out at his fund raising golf event.  We donate and attend the event every year. We know just about every one there… it is truly a great day. I know he meant “think globally”, things like “be green”, conserve energy, do right by your global neighbor… you know, things like that.  But I know Eric… he didn’t just mean “drink” locally however; I think he had a bigger message in mind. Eric, who is one of the biggest supporters of local business, passes along a great message here. Support your local business. Local people who run local service and retail outlets in your town are the foundation of your community.  They employ local people, pay their taxes to local government… for your benefit… to keep your roads plowed and paved, turning on the street lights, providing parks and recreation areas for your enjoyment, things you may take for granted.  From the local business owners I have spoken to, they support local business themselves… you know they “drink locally”! (Sometimes literally)  Local economies depend on the success of locally owned business… period!  In your town there are many locally owned business: the HVAC guy who has a shop and maybe works alone or has a few employees he pays each week and helps with their health insurance, the locally owned gas station or automotive service center that has an owner who lives in your town and employs folks who may be your neighbor or just any local service or retail business… remember they are the folks who depend on your support, they provide fast, reliable and reasonable service, stand behind their work and products, live in your town and may be spending money in your local business. 

Our business has had wonderful local support… I thank each and every customer for the opportunity to provide the service and products we offer. Without their support we may not be here in the great place we call the “Chosen Spot”. I am very thankful for that! We hope they are pleased with our service and support of the products we provide and we do our absolute best to stand behind every item we sell and service we offer.  In return… we do our best to support local businesses not the big box guy’s or the chain stores and restaurants.  Local folks who own service and retail business are just more reliable and easier to deal with….and are much more dedicated to be sure I have received great service, a great product and will receive super support should I ever need it.  It is important to me to be sure our local economy and local business stay strong and healthy especially during these economic times.

Remember sometimes “bigger” is not always “better”… check out your local retailer, cabinet maker, dress or men’s shop, local restaurant or automotive service center or service and installation business the next time you are in the market for a product or are headed out for an evening of food and fun… you may be surprised at what you will find.