| I have neglected posting my emails here on my website for the last five months, so I am going to add them now. This one is from November. I left out the Happy Thanksgiving and other out-of-date information, and hopefully what I have kept in is still helpful. Buying Local Because of the pandemic and our response to it, most local businesses are struggling to stay open, and many have had to shut their doors. I know that Amazon is easy, but here are 10 good reasons to buy local. (I got these from Buy Local First Utah.) 1. YOU KEEP YOUR MONEY IN OUR ECONOMY For every dollar spent in a locally owned business, $.55 stays right here in Utah. That’s four times more money than if that same dollar was spent at a national retailer. 2. YOU EMBRACE THE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITY Independent businesses emerge from a sense of place and contribute to a sense of place. They are fed by the nature of the community, and define the unspeakable attributes of a town. 3. YOU CREATE LOCAL JOBS Local businesses are better than chains or giant online retailers at creating more jobs per consumer dollars spent. As well, independent business provide a diverse array of job opportunities and wages. 4. YOU HELP THE ENVIRONMENT You conserve energy and resources, in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging. 5. YOU BENEFIT FROM OUR PASSION AND EXPERTISE To thrive as an independent business, many owners have spent years honing their craft. Often it is the intangibles that set local businesses apart — their dedication, the quality of their personal character, and their commitment to customer service. 6. YOU KEEP YOUR TAX DOLLARS HERE Buying from locally owned business that are rooted here in Utah ensures that sales and property tax dollars are reinvested right where they belong, paving your roads, providing for your local schools, and supporting your first responders. 7. YOU ENCOURAGE INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DIVERSITY Independent businesses are able to identify the niche markets in their communities, and expand from those niches into broad markets creating diverse products. 8. YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS We know you and you know us. Studies show that Utah’s local businesses donate to community causes at three times the rate of chains. 9. YOU KEEP THE AMERICAN DREAM ALIVE Buying locally nurtures entrepreneurship, which fuels prosperity by serving as a means for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class. This is the foundation of our American economy. 10. YOU MAKE US A DESTINATION Utah is already a world class destination. A vibrant, active, independent business community will amplify life in Utah for visitors and residents alike! This benefits everyone! Season of Giving 2020 has been a horrible year in so many ways. As you know, one way to make the rest of the year a bit better is to look for ways to lift and care for each other. Unfortunately, many of our regular holiday and charitable activities have been restricted. If you are looking for ways to give to those in need, we have some amazing organizations that would love your help. Here are just three that do great work, but I know there are many more. If you would like to send me links to other charitable organizations that are your favorites, I will publish those in the next email. At United Way of Utah County, you can donate to individuals and families in our community, and you can choose the organization or group you would like your donation to go to, e.g. Sub For Santa, BYU/UVU Food Drive, etc. You can use this impact calendar to see what your donation can provide. The Food and Care Coalition provides meals, housing, and other direct services to those in our community in need. Women and Children in Crisis offer safety, advocacy, and education for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Mental Health As mentioned before, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. The stress of elections, COVID-19, job losses, and other hardships can take a toll on your mental health. The state has many helpful resources including online screening of your mental health, found here, and tips for recognizing and managing stress and anxiety found here. Some tips for managing stress are: Seek information from legitimate sources and limit the time you spend on news and social media Get at least 30 minutes of exercise or physical activity every day Do things to help you relax – deep breaths, stretching, and meditation, a short walk, reading or listening to music Spend time with your household family in positive ways Get some alone time When it feels like you have too much to do, take small breaks during the day Outdoor Recreation Utah is internationally known for its iconic snow and winter sports. Outdoor recreation is one of the best ways to experience Utah during this crazy coronavirus time. For ideas on how to experience Utah during the winter, click here. I mostly like to stay indoors in the winter with a cup of hot chocolate wrapped up in a blanket, but I think this winter my mental health will require me to brave the cold and get outdoors. As always, let me know if you have any questions or comments. My inbox has blown up over the last few months, and I am having a difficult time keeping up with emails. If I miss responding to you, please forgive me and try again. |