This is a guest post by Sarah McIntosh, Project Coordinator, Independent We Stand
July 4th is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate America’s independence than by supporting the independent businesses that make up the backbone of our country’s economy. Whether you need the freshest produce for your backyard cookout or the perfect assortment of red, white, and blue decorations for your home, there’s a locally owned business that has exactly what you’re looking for.
By shopping at local businesses, your money will directly help improve your community. For every square foot that a local firm occupies, the local economy gains $179, whereas national chain stores contribute only $105 per square foot.* This is because small business owners are members of the local community, rather than distant corporations. Small business owners also contribute to the community in other ways, like supporting youth sports teams and hosting free events. You may even see your favorite small business owner walking in your town’s Fourth of July parade!
This Fourth of July, as we remember the entrepreneurship and innovation that our country was founded on, why not celebrate the small businesses that continue to represent entrepreneurship and independence in our society? Stop by your favorite local business, or find a new one with Independent We Stand’s local business search or free mobile app, to turn this Independence Day into Independent’s Day!
Independent We Stand is a movement of locally owned businesses and people across the country dedicated to educating their communities about the importance of ‘buying local’. STIHL Inc. sponsors this movement to support their independent dealers across the United States and to reinvigorate the economy from the ground up. Chrysler Group LLC has signed on as a co-sponsor of Independent We Stand in support of its network of independent BusinessLink dealers. Also joining the movement as a sponsor is Devoe Paint, America’s paint brand since 1754, which is only sold through independent dealers.
Independent We Stand offers a free business listing and a wealth of advertising materials to its members. If you want to list your business and educate your customers about the importance of buying local, join today – it’s free!
* Source: Civic Economics – 2004 Andersonville Study of Retail Economics
