Proud to be part of the community

One of the wonderful things about living in rural America is the sense of community that surrounds us. From our schools to our businesses, the feeling of "family" and the roots of our community run deep.

As we're celebrating the 100th birthday of many of our downtown buildings this year its a good time to celebrate the many businesses that have come to the area and made it their home as well.

We've watched many businesses come and go – clothing stores, shoe stores, jewelry stores, bars, restaurants and gas stations, but they've always had one thing in common, the needs of the community.

In this day of the Internet and the ease of shopping online in the wee hours of the morning, we often forget the life-blood of our small town is our local businesses.

Did you know every dollar you spend in a local store turns over at least six times?

The dollar you spend at the grocery store today helps that employee take her family to a local restaurant for dinner. The restaurant employee then spends that dollar at a local gas station, and so on and so on.

Local businesses and local shoppers are what keeps our economy stable and our community vibrant.

So join the Independent Record in celebrating our local businesses. Stop in and say "hello!" Browse their aisles and "Shop local!"