Why Local? Supporting local, independent businesses has a huge impact on the well-being of our communities and our planet as a whole.

Invest in Community. For every $100 you spend at a locally owned independent business, $53 to $68 stays in our local economy. Only $14 to $43 remains in our community when you spend at a national chain or online-only business like Amazon.

Support Community Groups. Local businesses donate 2.5 times more per sales to local nonprofits, events, and teams compared to national chains.

Reduce Environmental Impacts. Locally owned businesses make more local purchases—requiring less transportation—and often set up shop in town centers which leads to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution. Many local businesses are adopting sustainable environmental practices.

Create more good jobs. Small businesses are responsible for 90% net new jobs, nationally. Moreover, our community’s local businesses offer greater loyalty to their employees, and often provide better wages and benefits than chain stores do.

Embrace what makes us different. In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinct character have economic and quality of life advantages. If we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else, we wouldn’t be living in La Plata County!