Shop Local this Holiday Season

by Sheri L. Heiney, ASBC, President & CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce launched its new Gift Prescott program a year ago – a shopping experience program, it is an economic initiative focused on engaging local businesses in the growing gift certificate market and encouraging residents to shop locally. Over $100 billion is spent annually on gift cards and certificates. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is pleased to offer this opportunity to member merchants to showcase to customers and the community through a gift certificate program.
Using the program is easy. Visit the Prescott Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 117 W. Goodwin St., and you can conveniently purchase a gift certificate for yourself or somebody else, redeemable at any participating merchant within the greater Prescott area. Just in time for the holidays!
With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to determine where you will do your shopping. Where you choose to shop affects the economy, the environment and ultimately the quality of life for the City of Prescott.
Benefits of Shopping Locally
Create more jobs. Brick-and-mortar businesses are among the largest employers in the country and offer a multitude of jobs, particularly to those in the local community. Not only do these businesses employ more individuals, but they also are the customers of local accountants, wholesalers, farmers, printers, etc. Support your locally based businesses, and you will create jobs for your friends, your loved ones and even yourself.
Keep the community unique, and let it thrive. There is nothing more fulfilling than watching a community develop and thrive. Where you shop, eat and have fun is what helps make your community a home and adds a unique sense of character to the area. Plus, studies show that entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to settle in communities that recognize, support and preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses, helping the community to continue to grow and be successful.
Support yourself. Let’s face it, you’re not just supporting the local businesses, but you’re also supporting yourself. Multiple studies have shown that when you buy from locally based brick-and-mortar businesses, a much greater chunk of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, which help to strengthen the economic base of the community. What else does this mean? A greater percentage of local businesses help keep your taxes lower and provide high quality municipal infrastructure and services.
For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.prescott.org, call us at 928-445-2000 or 800-266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 117 W. Goodwin St., Prescott, AZ 86303.