Why Shop Local? For generations, small businesses were the principal employers in every North Country community. They were an economic engine; bringing in money from local, out-of-area, and international consumers. They employed local workers, who in turn spent money in the local region. And they supplied local communities with tax funds that were used to grow even more economic opportunity.
It’s so easy to go to a huge online retailer, order everything I need, and have it show up at my door. Especially now when I don’t really want to go into stores in person. I can’t tell you how many times over the last few weeks I’ve loaded up my online shopping cart, only to abandon it again…Because. BECAUSE. They don’t need my money. You know who does. I know you know.
Who doesn’t love a small business? I think we all want them to be here in the future. Many local businesses have new ways of serving their customers. There’s online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery or shipping available. We’re all learning and adjusting. These entrepreneurs are out there, coming up with new ideas and working to meet the changing demands of their customers and the shifting landscape of regulations and guidelines.
It has been a trying year for everyone. If we each put a little time, effort and care into meeting our needs locally — as each of us is able to manage — our collective support of small businesses will make a big difference in our communities.
Alcohol is essential in the Covid-19 outbreak and not just for drinking (although liquor stores are designated as “essential businesses.”) But some area distilleries are switching gears and turning their product into hand sanitizer. According to information posted on Facebook, two Lake George distilleries have been communicating their progress with hand sanitizer production.
Gift giving during the holiday season can be a wonderful thing. It can be even more wonderful when what you give is not only appreciated by the recipient, but also supports a local farm business.
It is a well-established fact that money spent at local farm businesses has a huge multiplier effect. Instead of your money leaving the area to support a large business and employment elsewhere, the local producer you pay, will, in all probability spend the money right here to employ people, buy supplies, make more community investments, and pay local taxes. It is a win win situation for everyone involved.
So, now you may be asking yourself what exactly are your options for locally produced gifts? Many times, an unconventional, “think outside the box” gift can be the best gift, so let’s think outside the box. » Continue Reading.
The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts has announced they will be participating in the 21st Annual Country Christmas Tour, an Indian Lake/Blue Mountain Lake holiday tradition, on Friday and Saturday, November 23rd and 24th, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Various locations will showcase “Made in the Adirondacks” goods. Artisans and crafters open their homes, inviting people in to shop local and purchase their homemade crafts and products. Maps and details about the two-day event are available at participating locations, including the Arts Center and the Indian Lake Chamber of Commerce. » Continue Reading.
In many aspects of AARCH’s work — lectures, tours, workshops, advocacy, and other educational offerings — we make the case for the preservation of historic buildings.
• Historic buildings have aesthetic appeal.
• Buildings and places connect us to our history as well as shaping our individual and collective identity.
• Historic preservation is rich in new economic opportunities.
• The preservation of historic buildings can be transformational for communities.
• Using existing buildings and concentrating new growth in already settled areas is both good for the vitality of a community and helps to protect wild and open spaces.
And all of this helps to make our communities better places to live, work, and visit. » Continue Reading.
The Saranac Lake Downtown Advisory Board is surveying locals, seasonal residents and visitors to provide input on possible improvements or expansions to the downtown retail area.
A brief online survey asks participants to identify potential under-served business markets. Among other questions, the survey asks consumers what products they would like to be able to purchase in Downtown Saranac Lake that is not available, and if there is a type of business that would positively contribute to the district. » Continue Reading.
The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has announced the addition of two new members to its board of directors: Steven Cacchio, President and CEO of Champlain National Bank and Jennifer Potter Hayes, former Executive Director of View in Old Forge.
Buy local. It’s much more than a feel-good slogan or here-today-gone-tomorrow topic currently trending on Facebook or Twitter. Let’s face it, the choice we have as consumers – this holiday season and throughout the year – is to either support small, family-run businesses, local artisans and craftspeople or help some fat-cat one-percenter.
We can help our friends and neighbors make ends meet or send a child to college, soccer camp, piano or dance lessons, or we can help a CEO buy another yacht, sports car, or vacation home. » Continue Reading.
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