Top 10 ways to Be Local in the new year
Residents can ring in the new year with the top ways to Be Local in their communities by thinking, buying, investing and visiting independent businesses across southwestern Pennsylvania.
By volunteering, supporting and embracing the educational impact of the Be Local Network, residents, small businesses and corporate sponsors alike can help sustain vital communities where we live, shop and work.
“The success of the Be Local Network depends on all of us coming together as well as creating ways to strengthen our local economy to enable our communities to prosper,” said Clint Rhodes, Be Local coordinator.
With the program’s expansion from Fayette and Greene counties into Beaver County, Rhodes said the network is taking on a regional presence with a combined membership of nearly 200 participants.
According to Rhodes, the top 10 ways to be local for 2016 include:
1. Make a pledge to shop at locally owned businesses, saving time and money.
Many locally owned businesses offer special services and promote a personal shopping experience. Plus, a percentage of your sales taxes goes directly to the local community.
2. Volunteer your time for a local charity and help make a difference in the lives of others in your community and surrounding area.
3. Attend a local festival or event.
Many have free admission and activities.
Most local festivals are actually fundraisers for non-profit organizations.
4. Participate in the local political process.
Whether is it attending a local council meeting or school board meeting, it’s important to be informed on what’s going on and to be able to offer your opinion. As always, make sure to vote.
5. Look for opportunities to give. Many schools and area food banks collect items, such as canned foods, coats, toys and eyeglasses, for less fortunate families.
6. Encourage your employer to sponsor local events. When businesses pull their resources together for common causes the results can be amazing.
7. Support local schools and churches in your neighborhood. Attend a high school event or visit a different church from time to time to experience what is going on in your community from a different perspective.
8. Stay healthy and fit. Join a local gym or simply commit to walking in your neighborhood on a regular basis to stay fit and spend quality time with friends and neighbors who have the same goal.
9. Eat more locally produced fruits and vegetables. Prepare more meals with foods provided by locally grown farms and share a meal each week with a neighbor.
10. Find positive aspects of your community and share with others. Promoting a positive image encourages residents to shop locally as well as promotes growth.