As with many small towns and cities, our commerce is a mix of large out-of-town branch businesses and locally owned “small” businesses. And like any town, Huntington, IN has its share of non-profit organizations providing humanitarian, educational and support needs for a well-rounded community.
And those non-profit organizations which bring color, vitality and breadth to our community lean on the local businesses for their financial and volunteer support. Why? Because they know from experience that it’s those local businesses that are willing to support them! Thus, it is an uncomfortable juxtaposition that our economy seems to be swinging away from shopping locally to saving a few bucks by shopping at the big box store or online.
Yes, the economy is not as good as it could be. No, we do not have the expendable cash that we’d like. But when did any of us feel like we had extra money to waste back in the glory days of the ’80’s and 90’s and 00’s? It never happened! No one ever feels that way.
Having worked with, volunteered for and contributed to many organizations in our community, it is disappointing that I rarely see a table or sponsorship by big department store chain or the national grocery store or the cable company or the gas company or the big box hardware – any business with out-of-town ownership. The fact is a specific, conscious effort is required for local people to shop local rather than simply going to the save-a-buck place or shopping online. Without that specific intent, the local places disappear and with them, ultimately, the support for charitable organizations.
Will you spend a few bucks more if you shop at the local hardware store, the local restaurant, the local bike shop, the local spa, boutique? Almost certainly. But let’s not forget that what we spend is supporting a wider community that we all call home.