Friday, November 6, 2009

Shot in the arm Saturday

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Making $1 turn into $4, $5 or up to $10 may seem impossible, but it's not. That's what happens when people spend money locally. It multiplies cyclically as it goes from customer to business to employees and suppliers who spend it again.

Customers of any local business have an opportunity to make that magic happen and get a chance to win $500 in Chamber Choice Gift Certificates on "Shot in the Arm Saturday" on Nov. 7. This newspaper and the valley's two chambers of commerce are sponsoring this campaign.

Shoppers can identify participating businesses by a "Shot in the Arm" sign posted at business entrances or exhibited inside. With every $25 minimum purchase, businesses will give shoppers a form to fill out to enter the drawing.

The name of the winner will be drawn next week at the Thursday, Nov. 12, Business Showcase at the Limelight Room at the Sun Valley Inn.

November is normally one of the slowest months of the year for local businesses. This one is joined with the worst national economy since the Great Depression—an economic double whammy.

For the last year, most local businesses have been in survival mode, strenuously working to keep the doors open, workers employed and hoping for better times.

Maintaining local options for shopping, dining, recreation and entertainment is important for everyone who benefits from the area's exceptional quality of life.

Spending hasn't dried up just because times are tough. Locals can show their commitment to a strong economy by spending what they would spend anyway, but spending it with local businesses.

The jobs they save may be their own.