We all play a vital role in sustaining our local economy. Our everyday decisions impact the viability of the place around us. One of the easiest ways to help sustain the vibrant place of Wenatchee is to think local, shop local this holiday season. Why shop local? Local businesses add quality jobs to the local economy and help build stronger communities. Every time you spend at a local business, the dollars recirculate back into our community, which in return is used to make purchases from our friends’ businesses, to donate back into other organizations, and to support our local farms — ultimately strengthening the foundation of our Valley.

About economic impact, for every $1,000,000 in sales, independent retail stores generate $450,000 in local economic activity, compared to just $170,000 for chains. The trends are the same for restaurants who actually generate more income for the local economy. Across both these sectors, we see 2.6 times as many local jobs created when spending is directed to independent business instead of chains.

Studies show that small businesses donate almost 2.5 times more per employee to local charitable causes than large, national competitors. Existing evidence offers perspective to a common misperception, small businesses give more time and money to charitable causes than other big businesses. A recent study done by SCORE showed the percentages of charitable donations made by small businesses:

• Give to local charities: 66%
• Support youth organizations: 48%
• Donate to local first responders: 42%
• Support local religious organizations: 39%
• Aid local service groups (Rotary Club, scouts, etc.): 37%
• Donate food or volunteer in soup kitchens: 32%
• And 81% plan on giving in 2019.