G R E AT B U Y S . G R E AT F I N D S . G R E AT P L A C E S .
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Things have been tough, but they are getting better and you can help Ever since the Greenville Journal was launched in 1999 and the Spartanburg Journal in 2005, we have been dedicated to the idea of shopping locally. That is, shopping with our friends and acquaintances, the folks right here in our hometowns working for a living. We have been so devoted to the idea we developed a trademark statement: Shop Local. It Matters! Note the capitalization. That’s how strongly we feel. We are about to move into that time of year when money seems to gush, rather than dribble. Even last year when the economy was at its worst we found the
money to spend on holiday presents. This year, after a rough time all around, it’s even more important to our community to shop local. Those dollars support local jobs. They reduce unemployment. And sales tax supports local schools and city and county services that keep our community functioning at its best. And there’s another benefit. So many of our local businesses, their owners and employees donate generously to charities, churches and schools, broadening opportunities for all. The Upstate is a flourishing community and local business drives it. Of course, you want to spend money wisely, but if
you can choose local rather than online or out-ofmarket, you will make a difference. Close to 80 cents of every dollar spent at local businesses goes back into our community through sales and property taxes, employee wages and purchasing goods and services from other local businesses. So, before you click that mouse or order from that catalog remember to Shop Local. It Matters!
Sandra Peirce, Advertising Director, Community Journals