As the first day of school fast approaches, families will soon be visiting stores to purchase all of the essentials for back-to-school time. The Brownwood and Early Chambers of Commerce want to remind area residents how important shopping at local retailers can be by launching a shop local campaign for back-to-school. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the importance in keeping local dollars local and how it affects public services, local business, jobs and community activities.
“Each time you make a local purchase, you support local jobs,” said Laura Terhune, Director for the Brownwood Chamber. “During tougher times like these, spending those dollars at home makes an even greater impact on the local economy.”
Terhune said sales tax that is generated by local purchases goes to fund important city departments such as fire, police, parks, library, and senior services. Businesses also support and sponsor local events and activities that make Brown County a great place to live.
“We realized that not everything is available in Brown County stores, but we want to encourage local shoppers to look here first before making a trip out of town,” said Early Chamber Director Wanda Furgason. “Shoppers will often save time and money by shopping locally instead of taking a long trip.”
Residents can expect to see and hear local advertising in the coming weeks through a variety of sources to heighten awareness of the importance of shopping locally.
Chamber of Commerce officials also released their top reasons to shop local.
Why Buying Local Benefits You
- More money is put into our local economy
- Jobs are created & saved
- Local businesses support community activities
- Better customer service & convenience
- Tax dollars fund our local fire, police, & parks departments
The 2011 Shop Local campaign is sponsored by Heartland Mall, Wendlee Broadcasting, Mid-Tex Cellular, the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Early Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about shopping local or to find a local business, visit BrownwoodChamber.org or EarlyTx.com.
