"Shop Local," sage words from a local shop.

It may be repetitive, but let us say it again, our mission at the ARCC is to help local companies succeed, grow, and thrive. Recently we received an email from ARCC member and local independent book store, Red Fox Books, that seemed tailor made to suit our mission. It is with local pride that we post these tips from Red Fox.

Spend it here, keep it here!
Here's what you do when you shop at an locally-owned business:

1. Keep dollars in our economy:
For every $100 dollars you spend at one of our local businesses, $68.00 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend it at a chain? $57.00 of that hundred will go to corporate headquarters instead.

2. Embrace what makes us unique
You wouldn't want your house to look like everyone else's in the US . So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. Create local jobs
Local businesses are better at creating higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.

4. Help the environment
Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation, less packaging, and products that you know are safe and well made because we stand behind them.

5. Nurture community
We know you, you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains. Who would you rather ask?

6. Conserve your tax dollars
Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money available to beautify our community. Also, spending locally instead of online makes
sure your sales taxes are reinvested where they belong. Right here!

7. Create more choices
We pick the stuff we sell based on what we know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we can buy for our individual market.

8. Take advantage of our expertise
You are our neighbors, and we have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. We're passionate about what we do. Why not take advantage of it?

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

10. Make us a destination
The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors, and guests. This benefits everyone.