Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Inc issued the following announcement on Nov. 15.

Shopping local can have a huge impact on our local economy. The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce encourages all shoppers to #ShopLocal and visit your fellow Chamber members this holiday season.

Not quite convinced? Check out 7 reasons why shopping local matters

#1. Strengthen Our Local Economy

Studies show that when you buy from an independent, locally-owned business rather than a nationally owned business, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms

continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

#2. Receive the personal touch

Local employees are more likely to be personally invested in the products or services they are selling so they are more likely to go the extra mile for their customers when it comes to providing product/service descriptions, uses, backstories and customer service.

Crowds can also play a factor. Less crowds and a more personalized shopping experience provide more opportunities for customer service to take shape. In addition, local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise, giving them the ability to “storytell” their brand and products when educating customers.

The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood–scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness.

#3. Creates more jobs

Collectively, small, local businesses are the largest employers. Not only do small businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, they’re also the customers of local businesses themselves.

#4. Reduces environmental impact

Local businesses typically make more local purchases which means less transportation is required. In turn, you’re contributing less to pollution, traffic congestion habitat loss and resource depletion.

#5. Non-profits receive more support

Local business owners provide significant support for non-profits. In fact, non-profits receive as much as 350% more money from local shops than non-locally owned businesses.

#6. Puts taxes to good use

In addition to generating more tax revenue per sales dollar, taxes paid by small, local businesses are widely used to support schools, parks, roads, and other local programs that benefit your friends, family, and community.

#7. Unique & exclusive

Often times the production of local products involves the use of techniques, processes and/or ingredients that might not be seen as “cost-efficient” in mass production. When you shop at local businesses, you’re likely getting something that’s unique and exclusive.

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun – all of it makes Champaign County home. Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. Local businesses help give your community it's distinct personality.

Save-the-Date(s)!

November 30: Small Business Saturday

December 3: Giving Tuesday

Original source can be found here.

Source: Champaign County Chamber of Commerce Inc