SCOUT 2016 | Page 8

EDITOR’s NOTE: P utting together the Shop Local Guide for the Holidays Issue is an extraordinary pleasure; in fact, it’s probably the Issue that I look forward to most all year. There is nothing I love more than exploring new stores and businesses, and seeing the owner’s dreams come to life. For me, visiting a local business is like stopping in a book store - I’m completely in awe of the process by which people turn their dreams and ideas into something tangible and wonderful. Before you dive in, I do have a few quick notes for you: 1) This guide is not all-encompassing. While we do highlight many local businesses and products throughout the issue, it is certainly not a full listing of every single small business in our area. Please accept this issue as it is intended: as a guide for your local shopping needs. 2) SCOUT hand-selected the local businesses and products featured in this guide. There are not any paid editorials in this issue, nor will there ever be any paid editorials with SCOUT. 3) We have featured several holiday gift ideas in this Issue. We did specifically highlight five local businesses in-depth, and we can’t wait for you to check out! In addition to each of those business spotlights, we also included a space where we listed the names and locations of other businesses that were similar to that of the one which was highlighted. To ensure that you don’t miss that information, we have included a “Eat & Drink and Be Merry” decoration (pictured in the left-hand corner below) so you know how to find the list of local businesses like it. 4) ENJOY! As fellow small business owners , we understand the struggle, the hardships, and the worries that can come with having a business. But the positives far outweigh the benefits, and if here at SCOUT, we can do anything to help highlight the amazing offerings of local businesses in our area, then we are honored and happy to offer that opportunity. So please, enjoy the Shop Local Guide for the Holidays. We hope that it inspires you to look locally for your holiday shopping needs. Cheers to the Holiday Season! Bridgette Stocks SCOUT Publisher/Editor 8 - www.scoutthemagazine.com - 9