During the past couple of months I have been asked to participate in several luncheon fashion shows sponsored by different civic groups within the county. These shows took place in Lower Lake, Hidden Valley, and Lakeport.
While it”s always an honor and a privilege to be able to help support the good work that these organizations provide to our community, I must confess, however, that I came away more than a little puzzled and here”s why.
My role in these events was to present apparel and accessories modeled for the attendees during the luncheons. This is certainly an amazing opportunity to showcase my merchandise, specifically contemporary ladies apparel. The presentations were very well received by the audience on all occasions. Many guests would inquire about the shop and location (Riviera Shopping Center). Now here comes the puzzling part. When told the location, way more than a few responded, “we never get over that way.” Now, I”ve lived in this county for a long time, and while the topography is no doubt unusual and sometimes challenging, I”m certain that any point in Lake County is closer to any other point in Lake County than it is to Ukiah, Santa Rosa, Napa or even any of the Northern California Costcos.
So here”s my point: after factoring in time, fuel costs, and vehicle wear and tear, why wouldn”t anybody want to stay local, if possible. There are so many wonderful and unique businesses in this county that we should be anxious to patronize as often as possible. If the Blue Wing in Upper Lake depended only on residents over that way, do you think they would be still in business.
If golfers never got over that way do you think Hidden Valley Lake Golf Course would be busy all the time. We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful county. We don”t have to put up with the traffic and congestion of the big metropolitan areas. We can actually enjoy the countryside as we drive to a fabulous place such as Brassfield Winery.
For those who have never made it over that way, they owe it to themselves to check it out. Not only do we have the best air in the country we have some of the best wineries, restaurants and small businesses.
Making the effort to get over that way has a positive effects on our entire county.
Here is what can happen when people get over that way and shop local: Keep dollars in our local economy, help create jobs, embrace one of our unique communities, localize tax dollars, create more choices, take advantage of talent and expertise, invest in entrepreneurship, may meet new people and make new friends, consider the environment and make the county a destination. Enough said.
Anna Jones
Clear Lake Riviera
