Keep Your School & Community Strong - Do Business Locally!!!

This blog post was submitted for publication in the Friday, December 11 edition of the Traer Star Clipper.

Several of my recent columns have focused on issues related to school finance and the challenges we are facing at North Tama because of declining enrollment, decreased flexibility in funds available, and lack of adequate funding.  I have asked for the community’s support by contacting your legislators and the governor’s office to request adequate general fund resources for schools. In today’s column, I’ll discuss something else that every one of us can do to help keep our school and our community strong.

A community that has a variety of thriving businesses is a more attractive place to live. Many people prefer to live in a community where they have easy access to various entertainment options, access to the services they need, and the opportunity to purchase necessary items such as groceries, clothing, and hardware without having to drive a long distance. When you choose to do business locally rather than spending your dollars outside of the school district, you help to make your community stronger by keeping your dollars local and by helping to keep those businesses open. A thriving business community results in greater job opportunities and makes the community a more attractive one in which to live, which could result in increased population and greater enrollment in the local schools.  

The Christmas shopping season is now in full swing. This is a great time to think about doing more of your business right here in the communities of the North Tama school district. Shopping locally doesn’t need to be confined to a particular “season” though -- your community can benefit from your support year-round, and you will personally benefit, too.  

The North Tama County Community School District is so fortunate to have a multitude of options for doing business locally! Right here in the communities of the North Tama school district there are great businesses where you can purchase hardware, groceries, apparel, furniture, agricultural supplies, lawn mowers, pharmaceuticals and personal care items, tires and auto parts, specialty items such as floral arrangements and quilting supplies, and much more.

There are numerous great local options for banking, lodging, insurance, medical and dental services, accountants, photographers, realtors, legal services, auctioneering, agricultural services, plumbing and electrical contractors, veterinary services, beautician/barber services, construction services, and automotive services. Other local services in Traer and Clutier include an amazing small-town theater, great local libraries, three museums, a country club, swimming pool, fitness center, and more. There are also some wonderful dining options in Traer and Clutier, so consider spending your next night “out-on-the-town” in your own community rather than driving to Waterloo or Cedar Falls.

Here are some reasons why you should consider doing business locally whenever possible:

1. Better customer service. When you run into a problem, you’re more likely to receive a satisfactory resolution from a local business owner than from a big-box chain. That’s because you probably know the people in charge at a local store.
2. Stimulation of the local economy. When you shop at locally owned stores, the money you spend stays in the community. And local businesses are more likely to purchase from other local businesses, so the local tax base grows and so do local businesses. A stronger tax base means improved schools, better roads and greater support for local police and fire departments.
3. Job creation. Small businesses are big employers. With jobs being created where you live, your friends, neighbors and family can find jobs closer to home. That has a huge impact on family, community and the environment because it keeps money in the community (see No. 1) and cuts back on commutes. It may also result in increased enrollment for your local school district.
4. Better consumer choices. The more choices you have, the better the deals you can find. Small businesses encourage competition in the marketplace in a way that mega-corporations just can’t. Many people don’t shop locally because they think they can’t buy the things they need in a local store. Not true! Small business owners are more than willing to carry and stock special items.
5. Greater non-profit support. Local businesses tend to donate more to local schools and non-profit organizations. This directly benefits your friends, family and neighbors.
6. Your bottom line. Because local businesses help grow the economic base of the community, the dollars you spend have the ripple effect. That money will eventually find its way back to you.

You don’t have to shop locally every time to make an impact. Just getting in the mindset of doing business locally first is all it takes to start improving your community and your school.

I hope you have enjoyed the columns that I have submitted to the Star Clipper over the past several months. These columns as well as my blog and Twitter postings are part of my plan for open communication with the community. As a part-time superintendent that also has duties in another school district, I believe that open and clear communication is more important than ever before. If you’ve missed any of my columns or would like to re-read or share them with your friends and family, you are welcome to visit my blog at http://redhawksupt.blogspot.com/ where they are all posted. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter (@DavidRobertHill) where I will occasionally post updates or other information not found on the blog. Have a Merry Christmas!