It may not quite feel like it yet but Christmas is only about 30 days away, meaning the temperature will soon be dropping as the shopping season starts to heat up.

That also means it is time to once again think local and shop local.

Whether we like it or not the commercialization of Christmas is here to stay, but that does not mean we have to forget the reason for the season and create a positive community impact from the spending spree. If we are going to spend money on gifts and shopping, why not reinvest in our communities in the process?

The shopping frenzy will really pick up with next week’s Black Friday chaos that puts the spotlight on the big box retailers.

Nothing is wrong with taking advantage of some of the specials and savings to purchase items you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise, but we hope every shopper at least thinks about what they can hold off purchasing until the next day — Small Business Saturday — or at a later date from a local, independent retailer.

American Express created Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to encourage local spending. It has grown each year with an estimated $14.3 billion spent in 2014.

Every dollar spent at a small, locally owned business is turned over multiple times and is more likely to go right back into our communities. That means more jobs and more money for public services, schools, roads and community development.

Here are 10 reasons to shop “local” in every sense of the word — courtesy of Independent We Stand, an organization that celebrates local businesses and entrepreneurs.

1. More of your money will be kept in your local economy

For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

2. You embrace what makes your community unique

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. You create local jobs

Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for your neighbors. When you shop locally, you help create jobs for teachers, firemen, police officers, and many other essential professions.

4. You help the environment

Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.

5. You nurture community

Local business owners know you, and you know them. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

6. You conserve your tax dollars

Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify your community. Also, spending locally instead of online ensures that your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong — in your community!

7. You create more choice

Locally owned businesses pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wid¬er array of unique products because they buy for their own individual markets.

8. You took advantage of their expertise

You are their friends and neighbors, and locally owned businesses have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. They’re passionate about what they do. Why not take advantage of it?

9. You invested in entrepreneurship

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.

10. You made your community a destination

The more interesting and unique your community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!

Although the downtowns and business districts in our key communities — Niles, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Cassopolis and Buchanan — may not have the variety they once did, a little creative thinking can still make these viable shopping destinations. And you will almost certainly end up with gifts more unique and special than anything you can find at a big box retailer.

Investing in our communities and building a better tomorrow is perhaps the best gift we can provide future generations, topping anything that is found under the Christmas tree.

 

Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com.