The "Shop Local - Support from Local Shops" Circle

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 10, 2012

Jim Charapich

They call “Black Friday” because that is the day that retailers go into the “Black” or turn a profit for the year. Yes, Black Friday is behind us, but the fact that a retailer’s success is largely determined by their success this time of year is important to recognize.  

As a community; schools, non-profits, and other organizations… we count on the generosity of our businesses during the year for donations to our many fund raisers. We use the items that they donate for prizes, silent auctions, and special rewards. Our businesses are asked daily for such donations and they deliver.

What does this mean to the community? Many of the donations go to help fund critical safety net services, educational resources, and for the needy. Public funding for the safety net is stretched only so far. Business donations are exponentially leveraged by the volunteer efforts of non-profits, fire & rescue, and schools.  

Knowing the generosity of our local businesses throughout the year, understanding the importance of their support to the quality of life in Culpeper, and that this time of year is vital for their success…. There is but one thing that keeps the system going in full circle. The cause and effect of this one thing is obvious and yet sometimes elusive unless we are reminded of the importance of these relationships.

The importance of supporting local business this time of year is critical. It is easy to forget the favors done during the year. Things are busy and we are creatures of habit. In fact we often search high and low for the best deal as we search for gifts to give.

However, our purchases are more than gifts for those that we hope to please on Christmas morning. Our purchases can also be gifts that give throughout the year. Our purchases are the very life of our local economy. The investment in our local small business through your purchases gives us the means to invest back into the community during the year; thus, keeping our safety net strong. Without a vibrant local economy our safety net would not have the resources to meet the needs that we face.

At this time of year when our businesses need you the most, at the time of year when you are spending for gifts and celebrations, consider investing your dollars in local small business. I have had more people tell me this year that they were able to purchase all of their gifts in Culpeper for their holiday giving. They say it with pride and satisfaction.

If you are a non-profit, school resource developer, or service organization please get the link to this article and send it to all of your volunteers. Please send the word out today. Support our local business, Yes the over used and yet critical cliché… “Buy Local” really does mean something. It means that when you walk into a business next year and ask for a support item, you will know that you supported them this holiday season in the spirit of making our safety net stronger.