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!