Not much has changed in the economy over the last couple years. Times are tough for many in this country. While the Cape Girardeau and surrounding area is somewhat immune to the extreme ups and downs some areas are experiencing, it appears we are still cautiously optimistic about 2011. Numerous business owners we have spoken too shared positive stories about their business in 2010.

We are not out of the woods and no one knows with certainty what to expect in 2011. One things I know for certain, the more you and I spend with a "locally owned" business verses an online business, the more we improve our community and by extension our quality of life.

Why is there such enthusiasm among people to champion the benefits of shopping online with an out of the area business. The only value is for the shopper in terms of convenience and sometimes cost savings. While I understand these points and realize some times this is the way to shop, I champion the value of community. The experience of interacting with people in the community while shopping, the sights and sounds of holiday decorations, crossing paths with friends otherwise not seen, and the additional profit and taxes that stay in our community.

What does that mean exactly. The local business owner hires local people as employees, buys houses, cars and other products locally causing other business to hire employees. Those employees shop and spend money in the community (we hope). Professional services such as lawyers and accountants are hired by the local business. Those locally owned businesses offer unique products and services, such as the authentic cajun food at Broussard's Cajun Cuisine or local produce and groceries offered by Natural Health Organics.

The sales tax revenue provides streets, lights, city services and in general a vibrant, growing community we can be proud to live in and enjoy a good quality of life.

None of the above benefits are provided when we purchase an item from outside the area.

This is not an indictment of those who do purchase online. We simply ask for each one of us to consider spending those hard earned dollars with locally owned businesses.

The following paragraphs are revised from last year's article about New Year's Resolutions:

With this in mind, as the 2011 New Year is upon us and resolutions are being considered, we encourage you to make supporting local one of your top priorities! Since so much of what we do is from habit or routine, why not consider changing your shopping habits by choosing a local option. Many of you have told us how you shop exclusively with local places,many more have told us you support the idea and frequently shop local. While we have been encouraged by the feedback. please consider how you can do even more. In these difficult times community is more important than ever.

We have written several articles regarding your economic impact in choosing to spend those hard earned dollars with locally owned places.You will find the local retail, hardware/lumber companies, garden nurseries, restaurants and even grocery stores, have most of the same products and many times the price is at or below the national chains. For those times where the price is higher, remember the prior articles about how much of your money stays in the community, enhancing the quality of life for us all. As an example, simply look at the sponsors listed for your favorite local sports team, community events or projects and notice the majority of them are locally owned businesses.

Speaking from experience, the more you shop local the more you want to shop local. While getting to know the employees and owners of small business, you find out you are helping your neighbor when you shop. The relationships become a meaningful part of your trips to the store. That small town feel is still possible, no matter how large the city, when you spend your time and money in the small businesses of our community.

As a reminder, this is not an indictment of national businesses or chains, there are many wonderful options available. We are simply focusing on choices to improve our local communities. And as the 3/50 project (3/50 Project) has found, more of your dollar stays in your community when spent with a locally owned, independent business.

So, think of three locally owned establishments you would hate to do without and make it your goal to support them even more in 2011!

Wishing you the best in 2011!

Have Fun & Luv Local,

Wes Wade