by Sheri Heiney, President & CEO, Prescott Chamber of Commerce
We hear the phrase “buy local” often, yet do we ever really think about what it means?
Buying local is so much more than shopping at a local business; it is about keeping jobs in our communities, supporting our youth and elderly; living a healthier lifestyle; and building strong, vibrant communities.
The Prescott Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of Gift Prescott – A Shopping Experience program. This 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 their business 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 certificates for yourself or another, redeemable at any participating merchant within the greater Prescott area. Just in time for the holidays.
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 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 our 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 in turn supporting yourself. Multiple studies have shown that when you buy from locally based brick-and-mortar business a much greater percentage of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, which helps 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 provides high quality municipal infrastructure and services.
For more information about the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, please visit prescott.org, or call us at (928) 445-2000 or (800) 266-7534, or stop by the Visitor Information Center is at 117 W. Goodwin St., Prescott.