Why should you shop local?

That’s a valid question. Given that big box retailers offer sizeable discounts and online vendors stock virtually everything under the sun, it’s no surprise that the independent small business often gets looked over by the consumer.

But there are some pretty compelling reasons to spend your money at your neighborhood mom-and-pop store and locally-owned restaurant.

First of all, the money stays in the community. Instead of profits going to some corporate headquarters in another state, the money you spend at the local store remains right here. It gets fed back into the local economy, so that you and your neighbors benefit. The business owners—your friends and neighbors—pay local taxes, supporting your children’s schools, the county’s police, fire and rescue services, and every other pressing need.

And the generosity of the local business community is well known. They’re the ones that sponsor the Little League and so...