Oktoberfest is here! Come Out and
Support Your Community and Economy

Our Oktoberfest celebration kicked off last night with our Oktoberfest mixer at Citibank in Montrose. There was plenty of bratwurst provided by Schreiner’s Fine Sausages, Samuel Adams® Oktoberfest beer, desserts by Porto’s and traditional Bavarian music to get everyone in the mood for this Saturday’s event.

Oktoberfest isn’t just a fun event for the community, it is also a chance for all of us to support our local economy. You have heard the phrase, “Buy Local” and you have seen the decal in store windows, you are encouraged to buy at the farmer’s market, you have seen the ads that say “Made in California” and many other homegrown versions across the states. The message is “Let’s support local business.” This is not just a feel good statement, it’s a reality. A number of researchers and organizations are looking at how money flows and are finding there is a profound economic impact by keeping money in town. The fate of many communities around the nation, including Montrose, depends on it.

I read a recent article about The New Economics Foundation, an independent economic think tank based in London, which compared what happens when people buy produce at a supermarket versus a local farmer’s market or community supported agriculture program and found that twice the money stayed in the community when folks bought locally!

“That means those purchases are twice as efficient in terms of keeping the local economy alive,” said author and NEF researcher David Boyle. “Shopping locally affects our county much more than most people realize. Almost a quarter of all the sales tax paid to local businesses within a county goes to support fire fighters, law enforcement, public health, and other vital human services that we all rely upon. The tax dollars are substantial, but it’s also important that in supporting our local businesses we provide jobs, services and conveniences in our community “ – Dr. Vicki Barber, El Dorado County, Calif.

So when you come to Montrose this weekend to enjoy the Oktoberfest events, support the local chamber of commerce, shop the sidewalk sale along Honolulu Avenue and enjoy all the local establishments and retail stores, remember you are also supporting the local economy and helping to keep Montrose the strong and vibrant city that we all enjoy.

Don’t Forget: For only $99 you can become a member or renew an outdated membership. Becoming a member ensures your business listing in our 2012-13 directory and a listing in our online digital directory. The directory is a great resource that is used by many people in the community.

  melinda clarke