Americans everywhere are feeling the pain of the recession and Morrison, IL is no different. Homeowners are unable to make their mortgage payments, employees are losing their jobs, consumers are spending less, and more children than ever are eligible for reduced lunches in our schools. Now more than ever it’s important to seriously consider how and where we are spending our money and what return it is giving. Many people give little consideration to the choice of spending their money locally or out of town. The idea of burning a couple gallons of gas, the wear and tear on the vehicle, and the time it takes are given little concern when driving out of town for a slight, if any savings. Granted, there are some things that are not available for purchase in Morrison, but there are many items and services available at competitive prices, which also provide added bonuses to our community. When you purchase at a locally owned business, approximately 80% of that money is kept right here in Morrison; it creates local employment and self-employment. That business where you spent your money often purchases from other local businesses such as accountants, suppliers, insurers, legal services, skilled trades, etc. They, in turn, have money to spend at other local businesses such as restaurants, beauty shops, and gift shops. It is a healthy cyclical movement that depends on where we make our purchases to survive. Shopping local also increases the tax base through the retail sales tax. This provides our city with a revenue source for capital projects, road repairs & maintenance, parks, recreation, and police, which translates into a safer community, employment opportunities, and a better quality of life for the citizens of Morrison. Local businesses are also usually more generous in their time, support, and in-kind contributions of local charities, schools, fundraisers, and community events. Numerous events such as the Halloween Parade, Paint the Town, school enrichment and extracurricular programs wouldn’t happen without the sponsorship of local businesses. Because of the generosity and involvement of our local businesses, Morrison is a better place to live and raise a family. So the next time you get in your car for a shopping trip, remember a dollar spent locally has a return on investment to you, your children, and your community many times over. By shopping in Morrison, you can help to create a strong, vibrant local economy during these challenging economic times. Think Local, Shop Local First, Morrison First!