I recently read an article explaining how our current economy affects small businesses. The news was as you would expect. The cost of doing business has increased, but up to 40% of small businesses have not increased their prices. Here locally, we've experienced that, I believe. Many small business owners absorb the additional cost of doing business, higher employee wages, and supply chain issues while not raising prices for the consumer.

So what can we do for our small and locally owned businesses? We can show up and shop there. Shower them with your support and share their businesses with your friends and family. Share the links to their online websites. Stop by and purchase a few things to keep for gifts when the unexpected need arises or a few things for yourself.  Stop by the farmer's markets and farm stands to pick up locally grown and sourced food items. There are so many ways you can support locally owned businesses.

Need something printed? We've got that local. Want to know where your meat came from? Shop our local butcher shops and grocery store. Want fresh bread and pastries? We have that too! Coffee, flowers, paint, furniture, jewelry, local sports collections, hardware, heating, plumbing, builders, building materials, clothing, gifts, baby items, books, toys, food, insurance, investments, computers, and repairs. It's all here local.

Shopping local keeps our economy strong and helps keep those local business owners in the business. When you shop locally, you are helping your neighbors.  So this week, I hope you visit some of our locally owned shops and support them.