Opinion - Hometown shopping is important

The Colfax Christmas Parade ended with fireworks on Thursday. Santa Claus made multiple visits on Saturday to the various town festivals.

‘Tis the season.

This is the season a lot of money will be spent, too. Consumers open up their wallets more than at other times of the year.

Rural residents should be conscious of where that spending is done and make an effort to shop locally as much as possible.

Local merchants and economies depend on local shoppers. The effects of loyal support can last a year.

Local businesses generate sales taxes and property taxes. They employ local residents. All these add to the local economies and make possible important local public services. And, a glance at any of the schools shows the importance of local businesses for fund raising and support of important projects.

The local business district, regardless of how small it may be, also gives a center point for community activities. For many rural communities, the downtown is the heart of the community, where people meet and decisions are made.

Many businesses depend on the Christmas Season for the sales and profits that will take them through the year.

This is no time to forget those who provide important goods and services all year long. Shopping your hometown is important and can make a big difference for the rest of the year.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher