Top 5 Reasons To Shop Local First

Shop Local – Support Your Community

If you are not shopping local, you need to start now. Every day you make purchases for services or goods. Do you stay in town? Do you shop elsewhere or even online? Take a moment to read why you should shop local.

The University of Wisconsin did a study through their Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (DEED), which helps entrepreneurs create new businesses and grow existing businesses by providing training; information about financial, technology and other resources; one-on-one business counseling; and networking opportunities.

Here they explain their top 10 reasons why you should shop local first:

1. Significantly more money re-circulates in the area. When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as our tax base. 2. Non-profits receive greater support. Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. 3. Unique businesses create character and prosperity. The unique character of Montrose is what brings people here and keeps people here. Our tourism businesses also benefit. 4. Most new jobs are provided by local businesses. Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally. 5. Customer service is better. Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service. 6. Local business owners invest in community. People who live in the community are less likely to leave the community and are more invested in the community’s future. 7. Public benefits far outweigh public costs. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores. 8. Competition and diversity lead to more consumer choices. A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. 9. Environmental impact is reduced. Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. 10. Investment in Montrose is encouraged. A growing body of economic 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.

Don’t miss our upcoming business mixers. The first one is our annual Tropical Beach Party mixer on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be surfer music, Hula Hoops, a makeshift beach and a prize for the best beach attire. It will be at Chris Aristo’s State Farm Insurance office at 2409 Honolulu Ave., Ste #5.

The second mixer is on a special night. It will be on Monday, Aug. 27 at Montrose Bakery and Coffee Shop. Owner Henry Baeza, who has been in Montrose for over 20 years, has recently begun serving dinner! He will have samples of all the delicious new things that he has to offer and will of course have many of his pastry goods out as well. This will be a fun night in the heart of Montrose and a great way to connect to other businesses in the area.

Upcoming Events
Business Capital Expo on Saturday, July 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown. Learn how to find, manage and grow your business at the Business Capital Expo. (818) 907-9977.

August business mixer on Wednesday, Aug. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at State Farm Insurance, 2409 Honolulu Ave., Ste #5 in Montrose.

Mini-bike reunion on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crescenta Valley Park.

VFW Hall Bingo on Friday, Aug. 17 from 6 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Middle School, Healy Hall, 2361 Del Mar Road at Montrose Avenue. Help raise funds for the Two Strike Park War Memorial.

Glendale City Golf Tournament on Aug. 22 is when the event begins at Scholl Canyon Golf Course. This is to raise funds for the Glendale Parks and Open Space Foundation. For more information, log onto www.GlendaleGolfChampionship.com.

Bonus Mixer on Monday, Aug. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Montrose Bakery and Coffee Shop, 2325 Honolulu Ave., Montrose.

35th Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 6 from noon to 11 p.m.

  melinda clarke