Why local business?

I received this email forward from my aunt today--we often talk about the value and necessity of buying American and buying local. Think about it...everyone needs things, so isn't it better to buy them that rather than cheaply made & cheap products they don't need.

Sure, that mug might be nice for one season/occassion but do they really need another mug? (Pictures of grandchildren aside...apparently there can never be too many mugs with grandkids on them!)

So before you buy that cheap made in China mug cause you're there and it's there and you can't be bothered to take 10 more minutes to look for something that person might actually like and use, think about it! Ten minutes of thinking about that person's gift?

I'd personally love a year's worth of car washes...

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

 

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

 It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?  Everyone - yes EVERYONE - gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

 

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

 

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin’s on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

 

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift  certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about
supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the
line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

 Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand

Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to

follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigs list in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

United States of Awesome Possibilities

I don't make this stuff up. Marketing America: The ‘United States of Awesome Possibilities’

Looks like we're re-branding America for tourism purposes. And while we here love that idea, is this the right way to go about it? Wouldn't people want to visit a strong and vibrant country where change is possible and America really is the land of infinite possibilities?

The site also links to several partners in the effort, among them: federal agencies related to tourism, such as the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways Program, transportation companies like rental cars and buses, and travel agencies and tour operators. Another major part of its push so far appears to be social media, with the CTP creating fan pages on Facebook for different cities.

We're even more for supporting the National Park Service-if we don't protect our country who will? But...but...there's just something off about this. Unless we're entirely too skeptical and there's not enough information on this site? You decide:

"What is so compelling about the United States is that no one thing can explain who we are as a nation. Each visitor and each experience helps create the fabric of American culture, and Brand USA embodies this spirit."

Gathering information

It's not easy, but the goal here isn't only to show why promoting local business or made in America businesses. It's to help people find those businesses.

If you notice at the top there are 2 additional tabs: Pet food and Cookware. Both tabs currently have only one product beneath them but they'll be more. More we use and approve of, more you suggest.

So suggest! Have a favorite local business? Want to let everyone know? Share it!

What this is all about

Occupy MAIN Street and help create REAL change. Bills can't create jobs. Bring jobs back to America. Bring America back to Main Street.

Everyone is feeling the same frustration - the system is rigged, there's no opportunity, there's no jobs, there's no money. But everyone is so busy blaming everyone - rich people, poor people, politicians, corporations, lobbyists - no one is willing to look in the mirror.

WE the consumers, WE the Americans have the power to bring opportunity back to America. But we have to create our own prosperity. And that means helping each other to prosper.

Step one - SHOP DOWNTOWN. Downtowns all over America are disappearing in favor of giant box stores (full of stuff that violates Step two). Local businesses, small businesses, used to be the backbone of America. They create jobs, they pay taxes, they contribute to the communities. How many downtown events are sponsored by WalMart? Are the prices higher? Yes. Small businesses can't compete with box stores because they don't have the buying power. But consider your dollars to be your VOTES, and vote local.

Step two - STOP MAKING BUYING CHOICES ON PRICE ALONE. The market is stacked against American products in the price war, because we allow inequity in our trade agreements with other countries, especially China. Spend a few extra dollars on an AMERICAN product, and help keep AMERICANS employed.

Step three - DITCH YOUR BIG BANK AND FIND A LOCAL ONE. Yes, it's difficult, yes, it's a pain but it shows support, trust, and that you care what you do with your money. Small banks sponsor local events and have a vested interest in improving the local community. Small banks have management that you can actually have a conversation with (relative to big banks at least). Are there fewer ATMs? Probably. A little planning and you're all set. Totally worth it to not be associated with the large banks that have been bailed out and are treating people like dirt.

Step four - STOP WHINING AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Occupying Wall Street is interesting as an idea, but so far all it's doing is creating "awareness," primarily that people are pissed off, and about a lot of things. More productive would be to put your MONEY where your MOUTH is, and VOTE WITH YOUR DOLLAR.

Make this Christmas an American Christmas. Make the Christmas colors Red, White and Blue.