THINKlocal New Berlin - Summer 15' | Page 8

IT’S GREAT BEING A LOCAL YOKEL! Why Buy Locally Owned? Dan Werner - Milwaukee sustainableconnections.org There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us to choosing local, independently owned businesses. We realize it is not always possible to buy what you need locally and so we just ask you to try and Think Local FIRST! Our Top Ten reasons to Think Local: 1 Buy Local - Support yourself: Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms -- continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community. 2 Support community groups: Non-profit organizations receive an average 250% more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. 3 Keep your community unique: Where we shop, where we eat and have fun -- all of it makes our community home. Our one-of-akind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of our areas. Our tourism businesses also benefit. “When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.” ~ Richard Moe, President, National Historic Preservation Trust 8 SUMMER 2015 4 Reduce environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. BETTER SERVICE... BETTER VALUE CALL FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. 5 Create more good jobs: Vincent Bellante Agency 11951 W Janesville Rd Suite C Hales Corners, WI 53130 (414) 321-1236 [email protected] Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents. 6 Get better service: Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. 7 Invest in your community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future. 8 Put your taxes to good use: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. 9 Buy what YOU want: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices. 10 Encourage local prosperity: Growing research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character. W172 S7505 Lannon Dr Muskego, WI 53150 Patio Now Open! (262) 6791600 treslocosrestaurant.com “like” us on facebook for daily specials! You’re Just Three Margaritas Away from a Perfect Day! Delicious Specials · Tequila Flights · Fish Fry )=