3-50 Project: Saving our Communities

The 3- 50 Project

Which three local businesses would you miss if they closed their doors? Maybe its the gift store where you can learn as much about our local history as you can about the best gift to buy a friend? Perhaps it’s the local video store where the clerk stashes the latest release behind the counter so it will still be there when you stop after work late on Friday night. Or, is it the florist who already seems to know exactly what your wife will love for her birthday?  Or, the hardware store where they will tell you how to change the filter on your heater? Or, the grocery market where they will not just sell you the meat, but tell you how to cook it?  The list goes on…..

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy, and our own local economy, accounting for an astounding 99.7 percent of all employer firms, according to a 2007 study by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Yet locally owned independent businesses are under far more pressure than ever. Trying economic times have consumers closing their wallets and shoppers searching for perceived bargains at large chain stores and on the internet, if they shop at all.

What are we asking you to do?

We aren’t asking you to stop buying at chain stores or on the internet. We know that you can’t find everything you need in town, or that we have the best bargains. We are just asking that you pick 3 stores you would miss if they disappeared, stop in, say hello, pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what will keep that store around.