As Main Street Manager, I often hear complaining about the lack of goods or services locally. I think there are two reasons for that. One is that people aren’t aware of what exists locally and two our local vendors don’t carry products because they can’t afford to carry something that 99% of us would rather drive to Wal-Mart for (even if it costs the same). This Christmas season, the Main Street Program is determined to make each and every resident of the Moshannon Valley think about where their shopping dollars are going.

We aren’t unique, there is a national campaign right now focusing on the impact of shopping local. As customers, we are about to collectively spend a large portion of our annual shopping budget between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31. On average, that is amount is about $700 per person, annually. But, do you ever think about where that money goes?

The fact is that when you buy something at a chain store or online, 95% or more of that money leaves our community. If you join us in shifting those dollars to locally owned, independent businesses, we’ll all generate 2-3 times as much economic activity in our community than if we had spent our money at a national chain. Across North America, that could mean billions of dollars of economic impact.

Typically, Americans stand in line for Black Friday deals. This year could be different. This year Americans could give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. We can support our friends and neighbors who run local businesses. Everyone -- well almost EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift a certificate from your local hair salon or barber? How about a gym or YMCA membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Are you going to stand in line for a flat-screen TV? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. Or what about one of our many locally owned and operated restaurants? They all have gift certificates. Remember, this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans 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 the American working guy? Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a movie at your hometown theatre?

Honestly, do we REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? 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. You see, Christmas shouldn’t be about pumping money into a big box, chain store. Christmas should be about caring about our community, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams and offering them the support they need to succeed. When we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

So, the Philipsburg Main Street Program, along with communities all over the country, is encouraging you to make a difference! Support local, independent American businesses. Let’s build an annual tradition that strengthens local economies, expands employment, nurtures a sense of community, and provides a more relaxed, fun, and rewarding gift-buying experience.