Shop Local 2018

Shop

LOCAL

A Special Supplement to The Tidewater News

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 © FOTOLIA

Franklin Southampton Economic Development loves local businesses! From the people who keep our cars fine tuned, to the store owners who help us pick out family gifts to the beloved peanut companies that keep us stocked with delicious treats, we celebrate you! Thank you for doing business in Franklin Southampton!

601 North Mechanic Street, Suite 300 Franklin, VA 23851 757-562-1958 info@franklinsouthamptonva.com www.fsediva.com

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

SHOP LOCAL | SUSTAINING COMMUNITIES

Why Shop Local?

“B

uy Local” stickers and campaigns are everywhere. You can find them in the corners of shop windows and on decals on people’s vehicles. A community’s local businesses give that region character and are filled with history and tradition.

Why “buy” into the movement? Consider the following three reasons:

INJECTING MONEY INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY When you purchase items from a locally owned business, more money stays in the community.

It is this circulation of money that is crucial to a community’s success. Many “ghost towns” — once thriving communities that have shut down or are well on their way — came to their fate not because of too little money being made but because of money flowing out in the direction of big box stores and online retailers.

In fact, according to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, shopping locally generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot than their big box store counterparts. © FOTOLIA

SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES According to the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America, 67 percent of America’s jobs come from small businesses. By spending your money in local shops, you are supporting the people and families that live in your community.

Your dollars are doing more than getting you the items

that you need; they also are helping others in the community get the things they need.

Your hard-earned money is being put into local banks and eventually being borrowed to purchase local houses.

While the sticker price may be a little higher at times than you would find in big box

stores, you are guaranteed that your dollar is doing more work for your community.

QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE You are much more likely to get great customer service at a local shop than at a large chain retailer. Local shops

don’t normally apply sales quotas to their employees and depend on consistent customer service to turn a profit.

Local shops also are deeply invested in your experience because they rely on your repeat business and word of mouth. Owners must live and work in the same community

you do, and they will hear about negative feelings about your visit or their product.

Plus, if you have any questions, you will be guaranteed to talk to an actual person (in the shop) rather than a recording or a customer service associate who might be in another country.

In Need of Auto Repairs?

From oil changes and factoryBobby Meador Annservice to electrical scheduled Bobby Turner Jack Jr. andJackie engine work, trust our Melissa certified repair technicians Denise Matt to keepWhat’s your vehicle running red and white and seen all over? safely and It’s Santa... smoothly. and he’s delivering our best wishes Give us a call today to along with our thanks to all our good customers. schedule your appointment!

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

757-562-4367

You’llGet Get Hooked South Main Franklin You’ll Get Hooked OnUs! Us! 251251 South Main St.St., Franklin You’ll Hooked OnOn Us!

Invest in Your Community Money Stays Local When We Shop Local!

Local businesses are the spirit of our community.

Why Shop Local?

• Nurture your community • Strengthen your local economy • Enjoy exceptional customer service • Local businesses support area schools & organizations

Help stimulate our local economy, shop local!

Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce 108 W. Third Ave, Franklin, VA 23851 | 757-562-4900 l www.fsachamber.com

Appalachian Hardwood Collection

COMMERCIAL QUALITY. HOME APPROVED. Tested to stand up to the most demanding commercial applications; built and tested to last 25 years in your home!

Made in America

• Conserve tax dollars • Foster community pride • Creates new jobs • A vibrant business community attracts new business & citizens

Solid Maple • Cherry • Oak

All lumber is harvested within a day's drive of the factory in Virginia.

Iv F nit e C p y 757.859.6231 • ivorfurniturecompany.com • 35569 General Mahone Blvd, Ivor, VA

Shop local. Shop with experience.

Shop with confidence.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

Shop Local

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SHOP LOCAL | ORGANIZATIONS

Franklin-Southampton TheThe Chamber of Commerce A Area Chamber of Commerce lmost all communities have a chamber of commerce, so be sure to take advantage of this ur community has greataresource.

Chamber of

O

Commerce, be sure The chamber of so commerce is the heart of any thriving business to take advantage ofcommunity. Chambers provide a directory of localgreat businesses and often maintain this resource. a calendar of local events. Networking with your local chamber’s business is The Chamber of Commerce members is a great way to become the heart of any thriving busimore invested in the downtown, faminess community. Networking ly-owned companies in your commuwith your local chamber’s businity.

ness members is a great way to BUSINESS DIRECTORY become more invested in the The local chamber should have a companies in your community. business directory that includes

member ONLINE businesses.

Most small busiBUSINESS nesses value the benefits and netDIRECTORY working being associated with the The Chamber hasbrings an online chamber of commerce them, business directory that features so there should be a fair amount of small businesses on this Most list. small member businesses.

Pick up a directory or peruse the list businesses value the benefits on your chamber’s website. There and networking being associated might be a few — or several — busiwith the of commerce nesses youchamber don’t recognize.

This is a great way to expand your should list of favorbrings them, so there be ite restaurants or find your next new a fair amount of small businessfavorite shop.

es on this list.

Peruse the list OF on EVENTS your chamCALENDAR Yourwebsite. chamber There of commerce ber’s mightalso be ais likely to keep an updated calendar of few — or several — businesses local events. This calendar should not you have don’tevents recognize. is a only such asThis new ribbon great way to expand your list of cuttings but celebrate businesses and spotlight different company a favorite arestaurants or findon your regular basis. next new favorite shop. Visit us This is a great way to explore new at www.fsachamber.com. parts of your town or areas you don’t

Chamber of Commerce also has discover another shop that is right next door or across the an updated calendar of local street. Getting out into your events. This calendar will list community is invaluable in supevents such as new ribbon cutporting local businesses. tings as well as business and community events.

BECOME A MEMBER BECOME A MEMBER ing a business that has been spotlightThis is a great way to explore Run a business?

Thinking Run a business?

Thinking about ed, you might discover another shop newisparts of your or areas about one starting one up?

Want toa starting up? Consider becoming that right next doortown or across the member of your local chamber. street.

Getting into your By commuyou don’t getout too often. be involved in your communiMost chambers have several get to often.

By attending a new shop nity is invaluable in shop supporting local attending a new or restauCALENDAR OF EVENTS ty?

Consider becoming a levels memof membership, including business or restaurant’s ribbon cutting, or visit- businesses.

The Franklin-Southampton rant’s ribbon cutting you might ber of the Franklin-

Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce.

There are several levels of © FOTOLIA membership, including individual as well as business memberships. This is a great way to memberships and individual memkeep informed about new busiberships. This is a great way to hear nesses thinking startfirst aboutthat neware businesses thatofare thinking up and in thenetworkarea and ing up of instarting the area networking with current business ing with current business leadleaders in the community. ers in the community.

Walters Outdoor Power Equipment has all the tools you need to keep your lawn and yard in shape!

Charlie L. Ashburn, Jr. Owner/Operator

Diagnostics • Coolant Flush A/C Service • Tune-Ups • Brakes and Suspension Work R&R Engine/Transmission & More!

ADVANCED

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Our trained and certified staff can service your Stihl, Toro and Generac equipment and Briggs, Kohler, Honda and Kawasaki engines.

Walters Outdoor Power Equipment waltersoutdoorpowerequipment.com • waltersoutdoor@gmail.com • 757-562-4760 Halfway between Windsor & Franklin on Hwy. 258 • Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 8-5 • Wed, Sat 8-12

The Company you can depend on

VERA S. BARNES

REAL ESTATE SALES • LICENSED IN VA VERABARNES@WMSRE.COM

757-275-4462 • 1100 Armory Drive, Suite 106, Franklin, VA 23851

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Servicing Our Community Since 2014 757-562-6200 2057 Whitley Lane, Franklin, VA 23851 Ashburnautos@yahoo.com

A cup of coffee & a dose of news...

Start your day off with...

Subscribe today at (757) 562-3187

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

SHOP LOCAL | TRAVEL

Do as the Locals Do Y

ou can support local businesses even while you’re on vacation. Eating fare that is local to your destination offers a more authentic travel experience and can be more affordable.

Consider the following tips and tricks to live like a local — even if it is only for a few days.

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU GO With all the new technologies at our disposal, it is easier than ever to look up great places to eat and things to do in a given area.

There is a blog for everything these days, and blogs offer an “everyday person’s” perspective on local shops, menus and dining experiences. Discover where others ate and shopped during their travels and how they entertained themselves.

ASK AROUND AND LOOK FOR LINES While research is a great first step, nothing beats getting out and hitting the streets. Ask locals what their favorite lunch spot is. If you aren’t comfortable trying to decide who is a local and who is not, ask a shop vendor.

Not only are you guaranteed they are local because

© FOTOLIA

they work in the community, but most are happy to pass on recommendations and support other local businesses.

Don’t be afraid to look for lines — a surefire sign that

something great awaits inside.

ORDER THE SPECIAL One of the best parts of traveling is getting to know the local culture and tradi-

tions, and one of the easiest ways to experience this (and the tastiest) is through food.

When you’ve found a local restaurant or cafe, don’t be afraid to be adventurous and

order the special.

The special also can simply be what a business is “known for.” You will rarely go wrong.

You are likely to hear about local entertainment, as well.

4225R

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Branson’s smallest HP tractor is available with hydrostatic transmission. Easy to operate with a one-touch PTO switch. Great for landscaping a large lawn with a powerful 54” mid-mount mower.

1905H 3725Ch 25 Series

Models at 37 and 42 HP this new Branson series adds variety and value to their line of quality tractors.

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15 Series Branson’s mid-range tractors are also available with hydrostatic or manual transmission at 30, 35 and 40 HP. This series features a tight turn radius.

WA

00 Series

4015 RogerFowler_Mar18_2Pg..indd All Pages

Branson’s compact tractor is available with hydrostatic or manual transmission. Easy to operate and maintain. This 24 HP model is now available with a CAB. .

RRANTY

2400

20 Series

tractors are available from 31 to 55 horsepower with Cab models available on several tractors in this series.

Hydrostatic transmission is also available on several models.

True to form, Branson tractor are manufactured of sheet metal steel, adding valuable weight to the tractor for maximum productivity.

4520C

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The largest Branson at 78 HP with a deluxe CAB and a turbocharged engine. This model is also available without a CAB as a ROPS model.

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SALES & SERVICES, INC. 986-3503 986-2441 8703 Whaleyville Blvd.

Suffolk, VA. 3/21/18 4:10 PM

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Your Local Husqvarna Authorized Service Center

Shop Local

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

Zero-turn Mowers • Chainsaws Trimmers • Tillers & More

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We use factory specifications and original factory parts whenever possible to deliver the like-new results you and your car deserve.

Foreign & Domestic Body Work • State Inspections • Custom Painting 2 & 4-wheel Alignments • Chief Laser Chassis Measuring

Dail’s Home Center 1221 Armory Dr., Franklin, VA • 562-6143 Mon. - Sat. 7am - 8pm • Closed Sundays

WITH OUR VARIETY OF SERVICES,

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brand of heating and cooling. Choose from 0% APR for 48 months* or up to $1,000 trade-in allowance.** We never stop finding ways to bring you products that never stop.

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D I A G N O S T I C S

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Southampton Towing & Recovery 23555 Jerusalem Rd. • Business 58 in Courtland, VA

(757) 653-2729

Rawlings

Mechanical Corporation 757-653-2225

Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing Contractors • Residential • Commercial

Linden St., Courtland, VA • rawlingsmechanicalcorp.com • Est. 1958

*The Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 3/13/2018 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. **See your independent Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,000 valid on qualifying equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Offer expires 5/31/2018.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

SHOP LOCAL | LOCAL FINDS

Find the Perfect Gift W

atching someone open a gift you’ve given them is a special kind of joy. Shopping for that gift, however, is another matter. Often, there is a high stress level associated with purchasing items for other people.

There is always the risk of buying someone something they already own or purchasing the same gift as someone else. Shopping locally could be the answer to these problems.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS You will likely find many items in local shops that you won’t find in big box stores.

Small and locally owned businesses often pride themselves on discovering and supporting local artisans and displaying their wares to the community. Added bonus: By purchasing these items, you are helping to keep your community unique. Supporting these businesses ensures they will stick around for as long as they can.

FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL Local shops are frequently the best place to find “one-ofa-kind” items, which can restore the “fun” in shopping for a gift.

This includes art. Small local businesses are known for supporting the arts community by allowing artist to display works on their walls and often selling through their stores. Your money could help keep the invested in their success and dream alive for a talented local care deeply about the prodartist. ucts and items they sell.

Because of this, you are likely KNOW THE STORY to get the story behind the Small shops are also highly product.

© FOTOLIA

You can ask where something was sourced or how it was made, and you will most likely get a thorough answer.

While big box stores must buy in bulk so they can stock mul-

tiple stores, small shops only need to stock one space.

This means they can take their time and purposefully purchase their inventory.

Frequently this leads to forg-

ing relationships with their suppliers — often local tradesmen who also can introduce shop owners to new suppliers or craftsmen who are just starting to sell their wares.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

SHOP LOCAL | FOCUS ON AMERICA

“S

hopping local” is often a term applied to shopping in our immediate community.

However, it is important that when we think about shopping locally, we think about global production and consumption. In that regard, the United States also is our local community.

We live in an economy where a majority of our goods are made and produced overseas because the labor is cheaper. Organizations such as The Reshoring Initiative are working hard to bring manufacturing (and the accompanying jobs) back to the United States.

Here are just a few of the many reasons to purchase goods made in the America.

A STRONGER ECONOMY In the same way purchasing goods from local shops keeps that money in the community, buying Americanmade goods infuses the country’s economy — keeping your money domestic so that it can be reinvested in other ways in the United States.

You are recycling your dollars back into the U.S. economy: Your money pays the worker who helped make the product. Every American worker pays taxes on money earned in the U.S., which is then used for education, social programs, agriculture and business.

MORE JOBS The United States lost 5.7 million manufacturing jobs between 1998 and 2013, according to a report from the Economic Policy Institute. Shopping “American Made” supports those companies that choose to employ

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Americans.

Your dollar is the currency that garners the most attention, and how you spend it matters.

A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT Goods that are made in the United States have a lower carbon footprint than goods made overseas. The United States transports and ships

$2.2 trillion worth of products from more than 150 countries every year.

This results in 1 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide produced and 11 billion gallons of fuel used, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Products made in the United States must only be shipped across the country, decreasing their carbon footprint significantly.

FO

Your dollar is the currency that garners the most attention, and how you spend it matters.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

Shop Local

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

SHOP LOCAL | LOCAL FINDS

How Couples Can Benefit From Find the Perfect Gift A

W Local Wedding Vendors Hiring atching someone open a gift you’ve given them is a special kind of joy. Shopping for that gift, however, is another matter. Often, there is a high stress level associated with purchasing items for other people.

s the “shop local” There is always the risk of buyingmovement someone something grows they already own or purchaspopularity, ing the same giftweddings as someone else.

Shopping locally present a primecould be the answer to these problems.

in

opportunity to embrace LOCAL this SUPPORT movement.

ARTISANS

You will likely findhave manydifferent Couples may items in local shops that you ideasfind regarding won’t in big boxwhere stores. to tie the knot, Smallbut andlocal locallyvendors owned can be businesses often pride hired regardless of themgeography. selves on discovering and supBrides magazine says the bigporting local artisans and disgest factor influencing playing their wares to the wedding location isAdded the size of the community. bonus: By guest purchasing these items, you list and the number of people are helping to keep your comwho wouldn’t be able to attend munity unique. Supporting if thebusinesses weddingensures was inthey a particuthese will stick around for as long as lar locale.

Hometowns might be they can. the traditional choice regarding

wedding location,SPECIAL but the XO FIND SOMETHING

Group says one in four couples Local shops are frequently the best place to find “one-ofnow host destination weddings. a-kind” items, which can Once couples choose a town restore the “fun” in shopping or acity for gift.to host their weddings, protocols, and handle other PROXIMITY SAVINGS they begin Thiscan includes art.exploring Small localthe tasks that must be worked out Couples who travel for their Local vendors can meet with businesses areworking known forwith sup-localbenefits of with non-local vendors.

For porting thevendors. arts community by © FOTOLIA brides and grooms more readi- weddings and employ local ly-based example, local photographers allowing artist to display works vendors will not have to pack as ly throughout the planning proon their walls and often selling familiar with a particular venue FAMILIARITY much. Using local vendors cess, making things less stressthrough their stores. Your will know all of the best places Local vendors will be famileliminates the need to bring money could help keep the invested in their success and You can ask where sometiplecouple. stores, small ing relationships with their ful on the happy Thisshops only to get shots, and some vendors iar with the area and possibly along bulky dresses, decorative dream alive for a talented local care deeply about the prodthing was sourced or how it need to stock one space. suppliers — often local tradesalso to drop off artist. itemshave they sell. made, and you willmakes most it easier This means they can take men who also introduce preexistingwas relationeven the location where theucts andmay items, flowers, andcan much more.

Because of this, you are likely likely get a thorough answer. their time and purposefully shop owners to new suppliers deposits, attend meetings, wedding will be held. That can ships with venue representaPlus, couples needn’t pay to KNOW THE STORY to get the story behind the While big box stores must buy purchase their inventory. or craftsmen who are just make fitting appointments, or tives that could ensure wedding help couples avoid having to transport andtohouse vendors Small shops are also highly product. in bulk so they can stock mul- Frequently this leads to forgstarting sell their wares. give directions, discuss venue

day operations go smoothly.

attend styling sessions.

brought along from back home.

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Shop Local

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28, 2018

SHOP LOCAL | STATISTICS

Small Business Trends

W

hen you think about or discuss locally owned businesses, you are actually also talking about small businesses. Small businesses (businesses with 500 employees or less) account for 99.7 percent of all business in the country and provide 67 percent of the nation’s jobs, according to the United States Small Business Administration and the Chamber of Commerce of the United States of America.

Here are nine additional facts about small businesses you should know.

• The 2008 recession was part of a major economic downturn worldwide and the worst recession in the United States since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Small business has been a crucial part of the nation’s recovery — providing 60 percent of all jobs created between 2009 and 2013, according to the Small Business Administration.

• However, new small businesses have a high failure rate at 30 percent.

• According to a U.S. Bank report, 82 percent of businesses that fail do so because of cash flow problems. Most commonly seen are businesses that rely on seasonal services and invoice-based businesses.

• The longer a company stays in business, the more likely it will continue to stay in business, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• As of 2012, there were 9.9 million small businesses owned by women, according to the Small Business Administration.

• In 2014, 5.2 million loans in amounts under $100,000 were issued by lending institutions reporting under the Community Reinvestment Act. These loans have an estimated

© FOTOLIA

total value of $73.6 billion.

• According to the United States Census Bureau, 96.5 percent of U.S. manufacturing exports were made by small and medium-sized compa-

nies, contributing 19.1 percent of the sector’s $839 billion in exports.

• If every family in the United States spent just $10 more a month at a locally

owned or small business rather than a big box store or national chain, more than $9.3 billion would be directly returned to the U.S. economy.

• According to the Small

Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, Americans spent $16.2 billion at small businesses on the day in 2015 — a 14 percent increase from the year before.