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Downtown Retail Roanoke & The ‘Burgs
Jennifer Poff Cooper
come from business taxes, any decrease in those will likely mean an increase in individual taxes, he said.
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To encourage buying local, some businesses have banded together to create the NRV Homegrown Alliance, which encompasses eight counties and 425 businesses. There is a directory and a discount card, which is available for purchase from some retailers and online at www.nrvhomegrown.org.
The Chamber has similar programs. Priddy discussed a buy local campaign that includes challenges for the community to promote locally owned and operated businesses. One month, residents had the opportunity to win prizes by sharing on social media where and why they buy locally.
Willoughby said that last year people came out to buy local and she feels they will support local businesses again this year. “People really want to see the small guys survive,” she said.
Priddy mentioned a pairing between Blacksburg High School marketing students and local businesses to help small businesses with marketing. Scott said the student group (the American Marketing Association at Virginia Tech) created videos to be placed around the university and in collegiate residential communities, to remind students and their parents how much of a difference they make during their four years here.
Even during the pandemic, parents traveling to see their students filled hotels. And when students are here, there is more money circulating in the economy. “The community looks different,” Scott said.
For the new year, she sees lingering questions about the economy, and feels retailers will be very careful in inventory selection so as not to overextend. Martin, also a financial planner, said there will not be a lot left on the shelves after the holidays, with no replenishment in sight until spring 2022. He also believes the country may already be heading toward recession. Willoughby though is hopeful that the downtown Blacksburg spring festivals will resume, and people will feel more confident. Sharon Scott concluded, “Businesses are working hard to serve local residents and the community. They have to hold on a little longer.”