Pictured is Riverow in downtown Owego, N.Y. Shopping locally supports our community.
Now that the month of January is behind us, it’s time to evaluate your new year’s resolution success so far. Whether you vowed to change your eating habits, exercise more, quit smoking, or shut off your cell phone during family time, whatever the resolution, the start of a new month is a critical juncture. Is your resolution a keeper or does your plan need a little R&R, “resolution re-evaluation.”
If you are ready to re-evaluate, then make a plan to try out the local scene more often by shopping, dining and seeking out local services. Ultimately, you help support the community in which you live.
Before you pull a few dollars out of your wallet, weigh the full value of the choice. Consider picking up one of your weekly cups of coffee at the local coffee shop versus the large chain you regularly run to, or stop by the local town market every so often versus driving the extra miles to the big box super store. If you do this, you invest in the community.
Need a gift or weekend project supplies? Local shops and businesses offer personalized service and unique and quality selections. Instead of choosing to dine at one of the noisy chain eateries, try one of the many restaurants closer to home that offers a more relaxed atmosphere with locally sourced food. If you do this, you invest in the community.
Gwen Kania, president and CEO of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, shared, “I’d love for our community to know they can make a big difference! Buying at a locally owned, independent business has a positive ripple effect and puts more money in our community. About 3.5 times more money is generated in the local economy compared to money spent at a chain-owned business, and helps more than just the business owner. Business owners pay employees, who then spend locally, creating an amazing multiplier effect.”
Pat Hansen, owner of the Hand of Man and River Rose Café, located at 180 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. since 1974, feels an increased level of energy and spirit in Owego.
“It’s nice to see Owego expanding,” Hansen shared, citing new activity on Front and Lake Streets, as well as North Avenue.
There are a variety of quality businesses all throughout Tioga County. So whether you live in or near Candor, Newark Valley, Tioga Center, Waverly, Apalachin, Owego or elsewhere, consider making a point to shop, dine and seek out local services more often. Shopping and dining local helps maintain a connection to the people and places that make the community thrive and grow. Local businesses create jobs for people who live locally, and those same businesses often support non-profit organizations more than larger businesses.
For more information on where to shop, dine or seek services in all of Tioga County, visit visittioga.com. For Owego specifically, visit owegolovesshoppers.com.
