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| 12/5/2008 10:11:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Support the people who support Ely
Ely Echo Editorial
Christmas shoppers make plenty of decisions as they peruse the aisles for the best deals and the perfect gift. Name brand or off brand. Large or extra large. Cash or credit. Paper or plastic.
They may not think about it, but the most important decision may be this: taking their money out of town or shopping at home and supporting their community.
We talked with Linda Fryer at the Ely Chamber of Commerce and she had some pretty good points to pass along. And any local business owner will tell you how frustrating it is to support school groups, non-profits and other community activities, only to have those same people who ask for a donation end up spending their money out of town.
When you support a local business, your money circulates in the community - as much as seven times.
Locally-owned businesses are more likely to keep profits in the Ely economy by purchasing goods from other local businesses, hiring local professionals such as accountants, contractors providing jobs and contributing to local charities.
Locally-owned businesses often provide a higher level of customer service and contribute to the unique character of Ely.
The majority of local business owners are quick to help when the community has a need. Go to the ball fields, look at the names of Ely businesses who have sponsored teams so kids can have uniforms.
Open the play and athletic programs, check out the snowmobile and cross country ski trail trailhead information boards. They all show ways that local businesses support the community.
Ely businesses are asked to help in countless ways, and they respond with money, goods or both. The money you spend with an Ely business today might be the same money that helps you in your time of need tomorrow.
Ely business owners have much of their life savings invested in their business and therefore have a natural interest in the long-term health of the community
One easy way to do your Christmas shopping AND support your community is to stop at the Chamber and pick up an Ely Gift Certificate.
These certificates can be purchased by the general public, organizations, businesses, etc. and are being used for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, employee recognition, etc.
Payment can be made in the form of cash, money order or personal check. These certificates are in $10 and $20 denominations.
Certificates can be redeemed at any of the 110-plus participating Chamber members. A list of the participants is provided with each certificate.
And the best part about buying an Ely Gift Certificate: you don't have to worry about anyone exchanging your gift!
If everybody spent at least $25 of their Christmas shopping money in Ely, our businesses would be better able to continue supporting the community. Shop local and give your home town a Christmas present this year!
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