Supporting Culpeper Supports You

 Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

Jim Charapich

Monday December 16, 2013

 

I had the pleasure of meeting with Dewey Cashwell, the new Culpeper Town Manager, this week. I was especially impressed with one of his comments. Though the context was different, I will borrow a quote from him to illustrate an important issue to consider. “People of good will come together and do the right thing given the opportunity.”

As a community; schools, non-profits, and other organizations… we count on the generosity of our businesses during the year for donations for 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 support for the needy. Funding for the public safety net is stretched only so far. The support of the non-profits, fire & rescue volunteers, and schools is exponentially leveraged through business donations.  

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 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. Your 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 love hearing friends tell me 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, let's transform the over-used phrase "Buy Local" to what we really mean - "Buy Culpeper." 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. Buy Culpeper for a stronger Culpeper.