Hitting Home: 'Buy Locally, invest locally' is Chamber's message
GREENCASTLE -- Buy locally. Invest locally.
It's a message the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce wants the community to receive. The message is not one that is unique to the Chamber; it is a message local businesses have been promoting for years.
"Buying locally, especially at locally owned businesses, is one of the best things each of us can do to raise the quality of life for all in our community," said Steve Setchell, chair of the Greencastle Sustainability Commission.
Several area businesses have come together to purchase a banner, which will hang across Washington Street, to remind every passerby the importance of buying from local merchants. Whether it is a backhoe you need, a retail store, restaurant or a hairdresser, local businesses are the backbone of the local economy.
"Buying locally, rather than traveling to Plainfield, Avon or Terre Haute or ordering an item online, you are investing in our community," said Laurie Hardwick, board president of the Chamber.
"It's not just about the message," said L.T. Taylor, Taylor Made Awards and Promotions. "It all starts with local businesses doing business locally, setting an example for the rest to follow."
The Chamber has launched the campaign to keep the message -- buy locally, invest locally -- on the front burner. Its plans are to distribute educational information, airing public service announcements on the radio and public access television. Plans also include signage and hosting a Web page devoted to the benefits of keeping it "Green in Greencastle."
Not only do our local businesses provide valuable goods and services, but they create jobs," noted Chamber director Tammy Amor.
With the economy presenting new challenges to small businesses, the "buy local" message hopes to ensure businesses thrive in Greencastle.
"Sustainability is a word most often associated with the environment," said Hardwick. "But there is also economic sustainability -- our ability to sustain our local businesses, maintain jobs and keep Greencastle, Cloverdale, Bainbridge and all of Putnam County the unique places they are.
Every time we buy something, we vote with our dollars. Do we choose to strengthen our own community, economy and culture or do we send our dollars elsewhere?"