Recently I became aware of the 3/50 project that aims to save local economies, three stores at a time. Pick three independently-owned stores that you”d hate to see go out of business.
Each month, visit them. Spend a total of $50 in the three stores.
It was estimated in 2009 that if just half of the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently-owned stores, their purchases would have generated $42,629,700,000 in revenue. Certainly that figure may be less for 2010 but would still be quite impressive.
Furthermore a civics economy study in 2008 estimated that for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenses. In a national chain, only $43 stays in the community. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
After becoming aware of this I hope you will join me in trying to keep our local independently-owned businesses alive and well here in Lakeport.
Patricia MacRae
Lakeport
