Support Local Small Biz

We have all been glued to the news of Dorian. A monster storm that seems to have been terrorizing the Caribbean and Southeast coast forever! The destruction in the Bahamas is almost surreal. Yet with the images and reports coming in regularly are all too real. Meanwhile, millions on the coast of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and even Virginia and Maryland are effected by this storm.

Floridians, that are now out of the storms path, are counting their blessings, and at the same time, still experiencing affects of this storm. Some of the destruction may not be obvious to all.

Over and above the obvious weather related affects, we should be thoughtful about the many ways local communities are impacted. From the unexpected expenses of preparing for the storm, many evacuating, others bracing... This makes our everyday conveniences scarce but needed. Local shops, restaurants, gas stations, schools, day cares, hospitals, nursing homes... All of the people who work at these businesses as well as the consumers who need the services and products are faced with having to decide what to do? Stay or go, open or close, how to serve others?

For this post, we will focus on the ways a local small business is distressed by such an event. Some business owners have a brick and mortar and employees that rely on their paycheck, and are only paid if they work. Others provide services that they can't provide while the threat of or the actual storm is bringing the community to a halt. If the power goes out, that causes yet more damage and issues for all.

This can be a final blow that means a business will not make it. Many may think that there is insurance, or other resources that will help, but for countless businesses, that just isn't so. After Hurricane Harvey in Texas, many businesses just were unable to rebuild, and had to close permanently.

It's hard to imagine how many lives and businesses in the Bahamas are forever destroyed by Dorian's wrath.

We always encourage the support of local small businesses, but in the face of these natural disasters it is even more important and absolutely necessary to buy from your community's small businesses. You may spend a little bit more, than buying online from Amazon, but the power of keeping your dollars spent in your local area is not only good for the small business owner, but your local economy as well.

I read something a while ago that makes sense. The numbers may vary a bit, but essentially for every $100 spent at a local independently owned business $68 stays local vs. $43 or less from online or chain stores.

The money that stays local helps to support local jobs, community events, families and ... you get the idea. With this in mind, imagine the positive influence we can make by simply supporting our local businesses.

Consider this too when traveling. It is always great to experience the local culture when visiting other places. When planning your next vacation, try to find ways to support local. If you prefer a familiar brand, look for an independently owned franchise business. It is a great combination of a larger brand affiliate, but owned and operated by a local business person.

The power of a community coming together to help in a crisis is amazing. There will certainly be many events and opportunities to donate and help in every community. At Pinot's Palette Dulles we are committed to offering "Painting it Forward" events and supporting our community whenever possible.

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Here's to community, service and supporting local!

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