Editorial: Time to help local businesses
November 25, 2009
By Staff
It has been a difficult time for millions of Americans and people across the world since the global economic recession began more than a year ago.
Now is the time to help those we can, and many people are in need right in Snoqualmie Valley.Since the financial market collapsed last September, “bank failure,” “home foreclosure” and “lay offs” are phrases we’ve become far too accustomed to hearing. But the worst appears over, even if the road to recovery will be a slow one.
Despite the gloomy news, a sober view reveals that most of us came through OK.
Most people have sound mortgages, full cupboards and money to put into savings.
We’ve had to (and should) reel in our luxurious lifestyles, because they were fueled by cheap credit and ultimately not sustainable. And most people can enjoy a plentiful holiday season.
We can use the holiday season to help the local community.
Support local merchants by doing holiday shopping in Snoqualmie Valley. These merchants have given to the community in the past — contributing to schools, donating to local fundraisers, sponsoring community events — and they are often the first to volunteer. Even new merchants have proven themselves to be just as community-minded as long-established ones. Now is the time to give back to them.
Shopping locally helps keep tax revenues coming in to the cities.
That is money that helps maintain your street, keeps libraries open and pays firefighters’ salaries.
Delaying purchases you know you will make eventually only makes things worse for those merchants who are barely holding on while consumers make up their minds.
Whether it’s the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker, the Valley needs businesses and business people here.
A healthy local economy means more employees will find work in their hometown, and you will have goods and services nearby when you want them.
Go shopping, but support your local businesses first.
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