The economic challenges Americans face today are comparable to those during the Great Depression.
Unemployment is around 9 percent and the uncertainty of college students finding their dream jobs after graduation is another harsh reality.
Even though the recession that began in 2008 is technically over, the aftereffects remain prominent.
For Americans to get back on their feet, they must invest in their local economies. Small business owners are the core of the American dream.
It would be to the benefit of everyone within the Morgantown community to invest in locally owned businesses.
Instead of eating dinner at a corporate restaurant, go somewhere locally owned such as Tailpipes on High Street. If you’d rather dine in, buy goods at the Morgantown Farmers’ Market (when in season) or reach out to local farms for produce instead of your local “mega mart” chain.
Not only do these changes boost local moral, but when money stays in circulation within a smaller area, the local economy will receive a similar stimulation.
Many argue that shopping at corporate stores such as Wal-Mart or Target is cheaper and more efficient for the consumer – an argument that may be valid to an extent.
But when you invest in the local economy, the end result outweighs paying a little more money.
When money is spent at one particular locally owned business, there is a large chance that the business will purchase its goods from a local business as well – thus keeping the local economy strong.
Another reason to buy locally is the better service the customer will receive.
Business owners and their employees will appreciate your business much more than the clerks serving corporate America and therefore will offer services that surpass those of its competitors.
Furthermore, small business owners are more likely to hire those who are familiar with the wants and needs of local consumers and will thus better accommodate their individual needs.
Corporate stores have the same products nationwide, which is why they can sell them at lower prices.
Also for this reason, their products will not reflect the individuals in the local community.
If more people concentrated on buying from local stores, there would eventually be a variety of specialty shops accommodating peoples’ needs.
Each of the successes of these smaller shops would feed on one another, creating a domino effect and causing the local economy to thrive.
Invest in the future of your community by making locally based purchases: The Morgantown economy may depend on it.