Sunday, February 28, 2010

10 reaons to shop local

Why shop at a locally owned business first? The following 10 reasons show how more money spent at local business is reinvested in your community creating diversity and helping the community maintain or create its unique appeal.
1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.
2. Local independent shops invest more in our communities. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial impact on your community.
3.
Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.
4. Shopping local saves you money. Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us all that local businesses = expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer larger items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.
5. Shopping local retains our communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this to how they spend their money.
6. Shop Local retains our distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.
7. Shopping local saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of local sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping reduce our global footprint.
8. Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this especially important for the elderly and young people and those without transportation.
9. Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business which means you get a higher standard of service.
10. Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, and restaurants, etc.
So….shop smart, shop local, shop Wallace!



New Member Spotlight:Phil-Am Balloons


John and Estrella Ricci are artists, balloon artists that is. Their creations include arches, bouquets and arrangements that are meant to wow the senses. You can see their larger works at parties and proms, balloon drops at New Year’s Eve, weddings and fundraisers. And just maybe, you will be lucky enough to receive one of their bouquets for a special occasion like a birthday or Valentine’s Day. Theirs is a story of perseverance. They opened the business three years ago, with all the hopes and enthusiasm every business owner has, but the business did not grow the way they had expected, and a year ago they downsized their location and hours. They recently decided that a change in location could be the one thing that could help their business, and relocated downtown to 109 N. College Street. The exposure they gained by being in a visible location, and the attention that their beautiful storefront garnered made Valentines Day this year a success. In addition to balloons, Phil-Am does gift baskets for all occasions. We wish them the best in their new location, and applaud the tenacity they have shown in pursuing their dream.

2010 Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament


Little Darlin’...it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter….but here comes the sun….and won’t it be good to be back out on the greens! The 7th Annual Wallace Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held Friday, May 7, 2010 at the River Landing Golf Course. This is the largest fundraiser held by the Chamber of Commerce each year, and many of the other activities we sponsor depend on the funds raised by this event. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and will be delivered to the course so play will not be interrupted. Make your plans now for your team pairings, and plan for your sponsorships on shirts or tees or the leader board. We are always in need of volunteers, so put in your request now for the day off and join us for some sun and fun this year! Team applications and sponsorship forms are available from Lou Powell at the Chamber of Commerce office.

Lunch & Learn about social networking

The James Sprunt Community College Small Business Center is partnering with the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce to present a “Lunch and Learn” Seminar on Tuesday, March 23, from 12:00-1:15 p.m. This is the third in a series of seminars focused on using free and social networking sites to help grow your business. You must RSVP/reserve a seat, by calling JSCC at 296-2430 or email sbc@jamessprunt.edu. An in depth session will follow from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
In March, the topic is “Using Free Web Resources to Reach Customers” with guest speaker Martin Brossman from Raleigh. The March session will be held at the National Guard Armory in Warsaw. Bring your lunch and learn how the web can help your business do more!

JSCC March Small Business Seminars

“Going Green” Seminar Series 2010

6:00 – 9:00 pm each session Boyette Building, Room 113 each session

Introduction to Solar Power and Other Alternative Energy Sources Tuesday, March 23 – This
session will provide an overview of the fundamentals of photovoltaic (solar) systems, and other alternative energy sources. Examples will be provided to show how these alternative energy technologies might be
Implemented in your business, home, or agricultural buildings to decrease your utility bill.
Certificate Requirements: Participants who attend all three sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Participants who are not interested in receiving a certificate are also welcome to attend. To reserve a seat in these

Web site stats

Have you been to the Wallace Chamber web site lately? This year, during the month of January,,4,795 people viewed the home page, and they looked at 1,201 pages within the site. This is an impressive number! We don’t know why they visited the site, or what they were looking for. They may have been looking for information about the chamber, or a chamber event, or they may have been looking for a particular member’s information. The important thing is, they are looking! The website is also a great tool for chamber members. In particular, the member directory is a great resource when you are looking for a phone number, web site URL or email address.

Minchew joins SIA Associated staff

SIA-Associated Insurance located at 212 E. Main Street welcomes Todd Minchew to their staff as a sales representative. You can reach their office at 910-285-4123

Better Business Bureau


Over 85% of BBB Accredited Businesses say that their association with the BBB has enhanced their company’s position within the community, In the past 12 months, the Wallace Chamber of Commerce has been included on 177 Accredited Business Directories that were requested by the public.

Optimist Club forming Wallace chapter


Optimist International is an organization dedicated to bringing out the best in kids by providing hope and positive vision. The projects they are involved in include sports teams, essay and oratorical contests, a junior golf tournament and community programs helping the sick and needy.
The NC East Optimist Clubs are forming a chapter in Wallace, and held an informational meeting February 22. To learn more about the organization visit their web sites at www.optimist.org and www.nceast-optimist.org. For more information on joining Optimists International contact Auston Pusey, Governor of the NC East District at 910-675-9111 or 910-200-6971.

2010 Chamber Membership

Wallace Chamber of Commerce membership forms were recently sent out to all existing members. If you are one of the folks that has it on your desk in the “I need to get to that pile”, please take a moment and retrieve the form and send it in. Recently, both Kenansville and Beulaville have formed chambers, understanding the need for and benefits of a chamber of commerce for business owners. We have been fortunate to have one of the strongest chambers in the county...let’s keep it that going!