Nov. 20, 2009

The following is an editorial written by State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga). If you have questions about this commentary, please contact Rep. Byrum's office by calling (517) 373-0587.

As the weather gets colder, we we will begin waking up earlier to scrape frost off our cars, and the warm days of summer will seem like a distant memory. It is almost wintertime here in mid-Michigan, and that means the holidays are just around the corner. Soon, the shopping centers and stores will be busy as residents hunt for the perfect gift for their friends and loved ones.

As you head out, this holiday season, I hope you will not forget about looking in our local shops for gifts.

Our state has suffered greatly in the economic recession that has gripped our country for much of the past two years. The holidays usually are the best time of the year for retailers and businesses. It is vital for our locally-owned businesses that we come out and support by shopping in our local shops, during these tough times and help keep their doors open and our neighbors working.

That is why it is so critical that when we go out searching for gifts and bargains this year, we look to make our purchases from locally-owned stores and shops. These stores are vital to our downtowns, our communities and our economy. In fact, small and local businesses make up more than 95 percent of our state's employers. These small shops can provide you with the customer service and the friendly faces that are all too often absent in some of the larger retailers, especially around the holidays.

There are other benefits to you for choosing a locally-owned business. These businesses give back and make our community a stronger, better place to live. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $45 goes back into the community, and nonprofit organizations receive more than two and a half times more support from small, local business owners than they do from the big chains. These are the businesses that make our community unique. You can go to the big box stores in any city – you cannot find the stores lining Main Street in towns and villages throughout Ingham County anywhere else.

In order to strengthen our local economy, we should all look to make our purchases from locally owned businesses. We will keep the heart and soul of our downtowns strong and vibrant while keeping our friends and neighbors employed and helping them put food on the table. This year, try beating the crowds and avoid the long lines at the chain stores, and spend some time searching our locally-owned businesses. You will be glad you did.