Shopping locally helps community

YOUR TURN
Reno Gazette-Journal (NV)
November 11, 2008

By Jim DeVolld

OK, times are tough for Northern Nevada for the first time since the late 1970s. Yet we have enjoyed a continued level of prosperity for three decades. I have many people talking to me concerned about their businesses, their jobs and their ability to care for their families.

Ronald Reagan once said a recession is when your neighbor loses his job, and a depression is when you lose your job — lots of truth to that statement.

The greater Reno-Sparks area is a wonderful community full of terrific people. So what do we do to help ourselves out of this downturn? I suggest one major thing we can all do starting now:

Shop at home!

This might sound too easy or oversimplified, but think about the impact this could have on our entire community.

More local sales registers ringing, more people with jobs, more money circulating right here at home. Not a bad thing. It could be one big step back to the prosperity we have enjoyed for many years.

This is not a new idea. In fact, the Conscious Community group has been working on this concept for years.

Here's how it would work: Think of every single item you could purchase locally and really commit to do it. If you are leaving town for a trip, buy your tank of gas here versus somewhere down the road. If your children are trying to decide on which college to attend, have them stay home and attend the University of Nevada, Reno or Truckee Meadows Community College. Buy your office supplies locally. Buy your next vehicle from one of our local dealers rather than out of town. Buy your next new outfit from one of the local shops. Forget about Internet orders for the holidays. Shop with the local merchants and friends you have made over the years. Every time you pull your wallet out, think: Could I buy this from someone here in town? Anything you can buy here locally, consciously commit to do it.

Business owners, you have a responsibility, too. You owe the locals doing business with you a sincere thank you. It always impresses when a business owner stops by to thank you for shopping with them, or having lunch with them, etc. It makes people feel appreciated and valued. Customers like that. Also, business owners, do business with your customers. Your customers will like that more.

I know your family members might not get that perfect gift for Christmas if you follow this advice. It can be rewarding searching the Internet to finally find that one special gift. But think about it: Your family members will get something every one of us would love to have in 2009: a strong and vibrant community full of people helping each other through some very tough times.

We can make this happen together. Let's get started.

Jim DeVolld is president of First Independent Bank of Nevada.



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Record Number: ren32473218