Support Thy Neighbor

Downsizing, banks failing, auto manufacturer bail outs - the daily news isn't exactly full of cheery headings these days! It seems to me that attitudes and people's fuses are shortening with each passing week of this economic uncertainty - it's logical to think that as jobs are vanishing and bills are piling up, people are displaying the associated stresses.

I was out walking through my community shops the other day, enjoying the nice weather and decided to stop into one of my favorite food spots for a bite to eat and that's when it hit me - while I don't know those running GM, WalMart or Bank of America...I do know my local merchants. These merchants are depending on their communities to keep their businesses alive - one sale at a time. There's no bail out number for the local coffee or sandwich shop. I placed my order, was greeted with a smile and a 'thank you for coming in' and it actually made me feel good inside knowing that I helped contribute towards keeping their lights on. What was a routine good meal, just became an uplifting experience. Later on that day, I made a stop at a regional sporting goods chain and might as well have been wearing a bio-hazard suit! Not a single worker there seemed to care I was there to purchase goods - dismissing the fact that it is the consumer who ultimately funds their pay checks. On the drive home all I could think was "man, only if every store I shopped at were locally owned" - by those merchants who are actually my neighbors.

That's when it hit me: support thy neighbor! Without really going out of my way, I am actually able to purchase the majority of my daily consumables and some other goods without even leaving my zip code. Rather than passing currency to some distant, far off corporate entity with who knows what for ethics - I'm going to help myself feel good simply by helping to support those merchants who depend directly on our community. Not only is it nice being treated as a respectful and appreciated customer, I have also found these merchants are rewarding faithful customers in all kinds of ways. Punch cards, coupons, a complimentary beverage are just some of the offerings of thanks I've received in the past couple of weeks.

So what's my point? Simple economics you say? Sure - nothing here is cutting edge nor worthy of great discussion at your next economics class...my voice here is simply to share the value in taking care of those around you - because when it comes right down to it, and you are in need, it's likely these neighbors who will take care of you!

Jonathan