Monday, March 3, 2014

Why Drink Local?

Why is it important to drink local coffee? For that matter, why is it important to support ANY local business? The simple answer is, it promotes growth and economic stability in our town. 

A spokesperson at an organization in Texas called Homegrown says, "Dollars spent at community-based merchants create a multiplier effect in the local economy, meaning that from each dollar spent at a local independent merchant, three or more times as much typically goes back into the local economy compared to a dollar spent at chain-owned businesses." In other words, the more money spent in the community, the more money stays in the community.

Homegrown says, "It's as easy to accept themes promoted in those corporate ads as it is to overlook the values independent businesses provide us, both personally and in our communities." The attractiveness of a chain store or restaurant is usually its prices. Often they can offer services or product for cheaper. However the local business often make up for a higher price in product quality and customer service. 

In fact, as a small, local business our self, we know the impact of buying local first hand. If you were to visit the North Pole Coffee Roasting Company’s office you'd hear the phrase, "Customer Love". We throw this term around a lot when it comes to our work and expectation of what we want each and every customer's experience with North Pole Coffee Roasting Company to be. Our customers are what makes our business continue and if we don't take care of them, someone else will. We pride ourselves on things like our fresh roasted coffee beans, American made products, community support, and non-profit organizations fundraising programs. These are just a few qualities about us that we work hard at to maintain consistency and support. When people buy one of our products to enjoy, serve, or as a gift they are making a commitment to support a local business through this choice and therefore continuing the circle of support for our great community.

When we as a community support local business, we support our local economy, our town, our neighbors and friends; it's an economic eco-system of growth. When we support local we invest in our community; the place where we spend most of our time, where our children will grow up. We also preserve our town's personality. Did you know a town has a personality? Well it does! When you think of your home town or the town where you currently live, what comes to mind? Is it the mega store? The national/global chain of restaurants? Chances are it is the “mom and pop” business or the community events that makes you proud to say this is “my town"!

Sometimes a local option just isn't available. Does all this mean we can't shop at any chain stores or frequent our favorite chain restaurants? Of course not! But buying local is a commitment to make a local choice when possible and support businesses that support the foundation of the town where you live. The "buying local" goal…when possible…gives back to our community in a way that makes sense. Not only will you be putting your money where your mouth is, you’ll be putting it close to your heart…”My Hometown, USA!” 

From Your Friends at North Pole Coffee. 

Resources:
Anderson, Mac. Customer Love: Great Stories About Great Service. Simple Truths LLC. 2008.

Homegrown El Paso.