Usually when the Guilford County Board of Commissioners passes a resolution asking community members to act in a certain way or recognize some cause or issue, the commissioners declare a day, a week or a month, for that purpose.
However, in an effort to get county residents to “Buy Local,” the board is about to declare the period from Wednesday, Nov. 15 to Sunday, Dec. 31 as “Buy Local Season.”
On Thursday, Nov. 2, the commissioners will pass a resolution that “celebrates and supports local businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community.”
The resolution, which will be presented by Commissioner Frankie Jones, states that, according to the United States Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy’s 2022 Small Business profile, North Carolina was home to nearly a million small businesses – 994,576 to be exact – and that those businesses employed roughly 1.7 million people, which is about 45 percent of the state’s employees.
In Guilford County at last count there were 13,000 small businesses.
The resolution reads in part, “Whereas, Triad Local First is a non-profit organization that educates and advocates for citizens investing in the local economy, and provides networking and other opportunities for local business owners, farmers and supporters of the buy local movement; and Whereas, local businesses generate 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail stores and these businesses donate 250 percent more to community causes compared to big businesses… Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners proclaims November 15 through December 31, 2023 as ‘Buy Local Season’ and encourages citizens to continue supporting small businesses and merchants throughout the year, especially during this holiday season.”
The purpose of the resolution is in part to help create more jobs in the county and help local businesses get the money and resources they need “to grow, expand and thrive.”
They asked for it…
Why the hell don’t the Commissioners insist on buy local when contracting goods or services? Oh, that’s right, they’re more concerned with putting up the appearance of equity while exhibiting their racist practices of the so called MWBE program they love to talk about.
Well, I’m all for buying local, and I couldn’t give a damn what race or sex the people are as long as they’re providing quality in the goods or service. I think most of us call this common sense, which isn’t very common anymore. We live in a world of instant gratification: News spreads in minutes rather than hours or days, people click on an Amazon link to buy simple items the family down the street have spent a lifetime building or growing, and we’re more concerned about one person’s feelings than what is right, or what supports our community as a whole. Don’t just buy local, get back to basics and bring back common sense!
Please please please don’t forget the black farmers market not the Triad Farmers Market the black farmers market.
They have nothing better to do than this?
Makes-um feel good. If you want to help business, REDUCE THE EFFING TAX RATE!
Interesting. . . .buy local is nice, but you can buy anything you want on-line with Amazon, etc.
To get people to buy local, those businesses need to be selling items which are created by people who live in NC, not China, Bangladesh, etc. . . .AND, are comparable in price to goods bought from other countries. A good many businesses aren’t just selling certified NC products, but are just trying to make ends meet. I’ve found you can get anything you want on the web, and have it delivered to your door, without having to drive your car somewhere to buy something which costs more, is a hassle in traffic, and no parking. Sadly, those days are gone.
Why Buying Local is Important
As the owner and CEO of Carolina Digital Phone, a local business in Greensboro, North Carolina, I am passionate about the importance of buying, and investing locally. When you do business with local companies, you are not only supporting the local economy, but you are also getting high-quality products and services from people who care about your community.
Here are just a few of the benefits of buying local:
Supports the local economy: When you buy from local businesses, your money stays in the community. This helps to create and sustain jobs, fund public services, and make our communities more vibrant.
Gets you high-quality products and services: Local businesses are often more invested in the quality of their products and services than large chains or online retailers. They are also more likely to offer personalized customer service.
Reduces your environmental impact: Local businesses often have a smaller environmental impact than large chains. This is because they tend to produce less waste and ship their products shorter distances.
Supports your community: Local businesses are often involved in their communities. They may sponsor local events, donate to charities, and volunteer their time. By buying from local businesses, you are supporting your community’s culture and identity.
I am excited to hear that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners has declared November 15 – December 31, 2023, as “Buy Local Season.” I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to support our local businesses and make our community stronger.
As a long-time local business owner, I promise to continue providing the best possible service and local support possible. And, I encourage you to support your community by buying locally not just during the holiday season, but year-round.
Thank you for your support!
Nicky Smith, Owner and CEO of Carolina Digital Phone
Looks like my comments are blocked, not just on this page, but others as well. Guess I’ve touched a nerve from the “comments police” for criticizing the city leaders.