Don't Forget Local Businesses During This Difficult Economy

According to research conducted in Highlands County, many more people are staying closer to home to shop than just a few years ago. Sure, gas prices play a part in this. More importantly, our area's retail sector has improved immensely, leading casual shoppers to forgo trips to metro malls.

The data, gathered by a random sampling of 501 Highlands County residents, showed dramatic differences over 2004. One big draw is the shopping center Shoppes At Shelby Crossing. It ranked as the No. 1 retail shopping area around here. Lakeshore Mall was right there too. It's all great news.

Gas prices obviously are playing a role here, but this survey was done in February and March, before prices neared $4 per gallon. So there's a good indication that residents are finding what they need right here at home.

Little will disuade "professional" shoppers who must have Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota or Fort Lauderdale malls. But for most of us, this works.

Even with this good news, too many of our local businesses are struggling. National chains are hurting, but at least they have corporations with deep pockets standing behind them. It's the locally owned and operated stores that are really having a tough time of it.

Not so long ago our county commission talked about providing a local economic stimulus program that would help invigorate the economy. Even the federal government passed out checks for the same reason. The local effort failed for various reasons, but every citizen can do something to help the economy by shopping locally.

If just 10 percent of the money now being spent out of county was spent here instead, a big difference would be felt. That money would circulate throughout the community and benefit everyone. Doing something like that requires a conscious effort to support local businesses.

The summer months look grim for more and more businesses, and we've already lost some to this economy. If we can spend more money locally, we can help get through this difficult time.