I have always done business with local businesses whenever possible. However I have never given much thought to why it is such a good idea until I came across an article from the Gresham, Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce.

8 Reasons Why to Shop Local

1. Significantly more money continues to circulate in our local economy when purchases are made locally.
2. Non-Profit organizations receive an average three times greater support from smaller, locally owned businesses than they do from larger regional or nationally owned companies.
3. Businesses in our local area generally use local suppliers.
4. Most new jobs are provided by local businesses. Small, local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community.
5. Most businesses in our local area are owned by people who live in our community. They are less likely to leave and are more invested in our community’s future.
6. Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services.
7. A marketplace made up of thousands of diverse businesses is the best way to ensure innovation, high quality and fair pricing.
8. When our dollars are kept locally, it increases the amount of tax dollars collected that support police, fire and other public services. Safer communities happen when we spend locally.