Stimulating The Local Economy

Business is up since Lake Placid Embroidery & More Inc. opened a year ago, and owner Gini Shevick attributed part of the increase to more Highlands County residents shopping closer to home.

The three county chamber of commerce directors want to help other businesses mimic Shevick's success.

On a nearly weekly basis for more than two months, the chamber leaders have been meeting to promote Highlands County retailers and businesses.

"We understand times are tough," said Eileen May, CEO/president of operations with the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce. "We don't want empty storefronts. We're very sensitive to our members' needs."

Tuesday, the three formally unveiled a program designed to steer customers to county businesses, called "Be Smart - save gas and shop locally."

"Support your local merchants," said David Greenslade, president of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce. "Why drive out of the county, with gas at $4 a gallon, for something we have here?"

Cindy Allen is staying in Lake Placid with her mother and was shopping at a boutique Tuesday. She would likely agree with Greenslade.

"The more money you save on gas, the more goodies you can buy," she said.

The tri-chamber listed several reasons to buy from neighbors:

"Shopping locally retains our communities. Local shops will thrive if customers spend locally. If you want a vibrant community where people can socialize and shop, we all need to do our part and shop locally first."

The game plan developed by the three chamber directors, and initiated by a member, strives to keep shoppers at home. Businesses and residents will be asked to sign a pledge to make 80 percent of their purchases within the county. Stickers might be distributed to notify shoppers of which businesses take the pledge.

Sarah Pallone, interim president of the Sebring Chamber of Commerce, argued that when residents shop locally, and business owners stock with goods purchased within county borders, dollars more often circulate locally, sometimes as many as seven times, which causes a beneficial "domino effect."

Don Neman, of Holiday Treasures & Trinkets, was shopping at Home & Office Essentials, a neighboring Lake Placid store owned by Jeanne Fortier, president of the Lake Placid Merchants Association.

"She shops at my store, and I shop at her store," said Neman.

"We want to keep our economy growing and support each other," said Fortier.

All three chambers will concurrently publish coupons costing businesses $150 each, for display in the October, November and December newsletters published by each chamber.

Coupons will be available at no charge, to both members and non-members, at several locations.

The chamber leaders also hope local businesses will refer customers to each other.

"They should foster an awareness of what each other is selling so we help market together," said May.

The advent of Internet shopping has changed the way some businesses purchase inventory, Pallone, May and Greenslade have noticed.

"Some employers are buying bulk and they haven't given local businesses a chance to bid on it," said May.

Pallone stressed that timing is important and local businesses are often able to deliver at little or no charge, and ship the goods to a local business quicker.