In our massively connected age, one can easily get swept up in the momentum of the global community. And while a wide scope can be great, it's also important to remember the benefits of staying local. So, we thought we'd share 3 reasons why we think local decisions are better.
Pride of Place
Local decisions are what drive our local pride.
Our local university, Indiana State Bloomington fosters immense pride of place in our community.
Knowing that internationally renowned band The Fray recorded their smash hit "How to Save A Life" in Bloomington's Echo Park Studios brings hometown pride to many of our younger community members.
It was also local decisions which led us to become recognized as one of Entrepreneur Magazine's Top 50 "Hottest Small Cities for Entrepreneurs"-- something which instills passion and determination in our up-and-coming innovators.
So, next time you're away from our community and you're feeling homesick, just remember what makes our community worth cherishing: local decisions.
Economic Strength
We've all seen the "buy local" signs in the shop windows of our locally-owned stores and farmers markets. Once in a while, to help foster-up community spirits, we'll make the decision to shop local versus going to a big retailer.
But buying close to home isn't just about having a feel-good trip-- local decisions truly drive the economic strength of communities like our own.
Studies have found that twice as much money stays in a community when citizens buy locally. "That means purchases are twice as efficient in terms of keeping the local economy alive," says author and NEF researcher David Boyle.
Next time you're out shopping, take a moment to consider a local decision-- the benefits are greater than you think!
Local Problem Solvers
There are some really great corporations out there. Many aspects of our lives benefit tremendously from the products and services of large companies. This large size, however, also leaves them with some shortcomings.
A primary shortcoming is that community matters struggle to appear on the radar of national and trans-national corporations. Big companies tend to focus on macro issues, with micro issues taking the backseat.
That's where local businesses are able to excel! Local businesses have the necessary prerogative and foothold to solve local community issues-- problems that matter to you and your family.
Whether that manifests in sponsoring a local sports team, or helping restore the local park, local businesses are local problem solvers!