Remember to shop locally

To the editor:
It is hard to believe that Christmas is just a few weeks away.  As you begin to make your Christmas shopping list I would encourage you to shop locally.  As an owner of a small business it is very frustrating at times to operate a business in a small rural community.
All small business owners, whether it is a restaurant, gift shop, retail or manufacturer, struggle on a daily basis.  We often ask ourselves is it even worth keeping the doors open? Then a customer walks through the door that is so appreciative of the products you offer or the service you provide and we realize how important keeping the doors open is to the community.
In a time when small town America is struggling, it so important to show your patronage to local businesses. How often have you shopped local instead of driving to Muncie or Fort Wayne for your holiday shopping or a night out on the town? Jay County has so many unique, quaint shops like Remember When, Sharlette’s Fudgery, Gaunt Jewelry, Country Creek Primitives, Patriot Sportswear, Evans Fine Jewelry, Beyond The Gilded Willow, Strohl’s, and, of course, Bearcreek Farms.
All offer some of the best shopping around and they are right here in Jay County. Your dining experiences could include Buffalo Rings and Wings, El Camino, Richards, Norm’s and Bearcreek Farms need to be considered the next time you are planning a night out on the town or planning a holiday party for your family or your business.
I can only speak for Bearcreek Farms. We keep our doors open because we enjoy what we do and appreciate the customers that come to see us. In order for small business to stay in business it takes loyalty from local residents to shop our stores and utilizes our services.  
I believe our local small businesses demonstrate loyalty to the community every time they are asked to donate products or gift certificates to support a worthy cause.  Without your help we would not be able to help the elementary students who need new playground equipment or the special athlete who wants to compete in his/her favorite sport or the family in need of food.  
Ask yourself, when was the last time you were at Bearcreek Farms for the buffet or a show? If you have never experienced the buffet or a show, what are you waiting for? Or when was the last time you stopped into Strohl’s or Sharlette’s Fudgery? And once again if you never have been there, please stop in and check things out (they have gift certificates).  This holiday season please support your friendly neighborhood businesses by shopping locally. Our businesses may be small but our hearts are big and we would to love to have you visit so we can show you how we can make your holiday shopping easy and convenient. And remember shopping locally helps those businesses support the community in which we all live and want to see prosper. Merry Christmas!
Carla Strong Loy
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