Letters
Letters to the editor
Highlands Today
Published: November 24, 2012
Shop small businessesPublished: November 24, 2012
Today is Small Business Saturday. When you are out fighting for the deals of the weekend-long discount bonanza, please don't forget your friends and neighbors operating the small businesses throughout our community. Many have their life savings at risk to keep their doors open.
Here are a few ways you may not have thought about helping these businesses that make up over 90 percent of our chamber membership.
Buy a gift certificate from a small business or restaurant.
Give the gift of an oil change or a car wash — some even have books of certificates.
Been putting off that remodel or exterior work on the house? Consider spending money on that rather than spending it on the newest, greatest, got-to-have technology.
A round of golf from a local golf course is always a nice gift. How about a guided fishing trip or airboat ride?
Many of your favorite eateries and bars have specials and gift certificates. Take a friend out to eat.
Not personal enough? Local craft people make jewelry, art, pottery, soaps and beautiful little items, and let's not forget our local jewelry stores.
How about tickets to a nice live show or concert? Attend and support our local performing arts by attending their holiday shows.
Looking for a big ticket item? Don't leave our community to shop the bigger cities. We have just about every item available here in Highlands County.
Got friends from out of town? Invite them here and take them to some of our boutiques downtown, our local mall or our many stores on the highway and those off the beaten path. They may appreciate the slower pace.
Remember, folks, this isn't about not supporting national chains — this is about not forgetting to support your local small businesses. Our friends, our neighbors and our community rely on your shopping dollars also.
Shop local — shop small business.
Steven J. Nyhan
CEO/President
Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce