Painting the city red, white & #LoveLocalPtbo

You can’t turn around without hearing a buy local message these days, or in the case of the Chamber of 
Commerce, #LoveLocalPtbo.
There is a good reason for it. This pandemic has been unfairly harsh on small local companies, and the more we can do to support them, the better. I thought this week I’d provide a mash-up between the top ten reasons to support local business, and 12 specific ways to do it, a riff on the 12 days of Christmas.  

Starting with the Top Ten:
1. Discover interesting things & people - One-of-a-kind shops and restaurants are part of what makes our community a great place to live!
2. Support for Not-For-Profits – Support local business owners, who in turn provide significant support for not-for-profits and charities!
3. Reduces environmental impact - By shopping locally, you're contributing to less pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss and resource depletion!
4. Personal Connection - Getting to know the store owners and employees is a great reason to shop local. 
5. Make a Personal Investment in the Community - When you shop locally, you're making a personal investment. 
6. Support Future Growth - Shopping locally is the best way to show pride in your community and help protect the businesses that make our City and County unique!
7. Keep Money Local - Local businesses are more likely to shop with other local 
businesses, keeping money in our local economy longer.
8. Local Businesses Invest in our Community - Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's welfare and future.
9. Competition & Diversity leads to more consumer choices - Local competition and diversity lead to more product choices for customers.
10. Locally Made Products - When you shop at local businesses, you're likely getting something that's unique and exclusive!

And here are 12 specific ways to support local businesses, sing along if you are really into it!
12 days of a local Christmas...
On the first day of Christmas: buy a gift card from a local business.
On the second day of Christmas: leave a positive google review of a local business.
On the third day of Christmas: share a social media post of a local business.
On the fourth day of Christmas: reward yourself with a holiday treat from a local coffeehouse or bakery for shoveling the driveway yet again.
On the fifth day of Christmas: shop the e-commerce site of a local business.
On the sixth day of Christmas: send a handwritten thank-you note to a local business who has supported a community group, team or cause close to your heart.
On the seventh day of Christmas: tag a friend in a local business' post if you see something they might like.
On the eighth day of Christmas: Follow or friend a local business on social media.
On the ninth day of Christmas: buy stocking stuffers from local artisans.
On the tenth day of Christmas: leave a positive personal review on a local business' Facebook page.
On the eleventh day of Christmas: share - through word of mouth or on social media - some of your 
favourite local businesses.
On the twelfth of Christmas: enjoy some take-out from a local restaurant to reward yourself for wrapping all those presents!
Happy Holidays!