Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments. Please keep them coming!
To add to the discussion, I also wanted to mention the ways (other than jobs) that local and independent businesses contribute to the economy.
--2 to 3 times more dollars stay in the community when we spend at local independents. This happens because local businesses purchase more products and especially services (web design, legal, tax/accounting, etc.) from other local businesses.*
--Local independents contribute 350% more to local nonprofits*
Check out this and next edition of the Somverville Scout for the Top 10 reasons to buy local.
Other ways in which local businesses contribute
To add to the discussion, I also wanted to mention the ways (other than jobs) that local and independent businesses contribute to the economy.
--2 to 3 times more dollars stay in the community when we spend at local independents. This happens because local businesses purchase more products and especially services (web design, legal, tax/accounting, etc.) from other local businesses.*
--Local independents contribute 350% more to local nonprofits*
Check out this and next edition of the Somverville Scout for the Top 10 reasons to buy local.
*http://www.civiceconomics.com/localworks
**http://www.civiceconomics.com/Andersonville/