Buy American/ Buy (Insert City HERE)
The following is an article sent to the Aitkin, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce office by a chamber member. Please forward on to your customers, employees, friends, neighbors, family members as a reminder to buy Buy American/ Buy (Insert Your City HERE). Article has been revised to reflect upcoming summer season.
Birth of a New Tradition All American/All ______!!
"As the summer months approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper? Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from one of our local (insert your city) hair salons or barbers?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Locally-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamin's on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed this summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf courses.
There are owner-run restaurants in your local area – all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast cafe.
Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains – this is about supporting (your city) area businesses with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car,truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by an local working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom on Mother's Day?? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning service for a day. I;m guessing she would cherish an hour at her favorite local spa to get her "hair did" or even a relaxing massage. The keyword is LOCAL...not something ordered on-line or mass-produced.
Personally, my computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some local business person who is struggling to get or keep his/her repair business up and running.
OK, so maybe you were looking for something more personal. This is an awesome time of year to view local crafts. They also make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes. Farmers Markets are in full bloom as well offering jams, jellies, veggies, and farm-fresh goodies.
Plan your summer outings at (your city) operated attractions and how about going out to see a newly released movie at our hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Looking forward, honestly people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house this Christmas? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy, or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
Christmas, Mother's Day..or ANY holiday for that matter should be about caring about US, encouraging American (your city's) small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine."
Comments (3)Subscribe to CommentsComment