Supporting local businesses is one of the best things you can do for your community. When you shop locally, you don't just support your neighbors, you also make a long-term investment in your local economy.
Southern Pennsylvania's own Buy Local Coalition is a mission-and community-focused collective of entrepreneurs who are dedicated to enriching their local communities. Through valued partnerships and community involvement, they're strengthening Pennsylvania neighborhoods.
Read our interview below to learn more about their efforts to build a booming local economy in Pennsylvania.
1. What is the Buy Local Coalition's mission and who does it serve?
The Buy Local Coalition is a group of locally owned and operated independent businesses in York, Adams, Franklin, Lancaster, Cumberland and Dauphin counties.
Our goal is to educate the public about the benefits of spending money locally. We also work to promote strong working relationships among local businesses-encouraging companies and shoppers to keep their dollars within the community. And we always encourage others to follow suit.
2. Why should local businesses join?
We offer networking opportunities at least once a month, so local business owners and/or their employees can get to know their peers in all sorts of different industries. Getting to know someone in person helps you be able to recommend that business for a service or product when needed. We also do Member Spotlights on our social media pages, so that all members get mentioned.
3. If they are interested, how do they sign up?
Businesses can learn more about the requirements to join the Buy Local Coalition and apply to become a member at buylocalcoalition.com/join.
4. What are some of your favorite local businesses to support and why?
We love to support ALL local businesses! Local businesses offer a wide array of goods and services that are in demand. From architects to breweries to banks and attorneys-as well as everything in between-these businesses are rooted in the community.
Your favorite restaurant is probably a unique, local business. These businesses keep more of their profits in the local economy and also support nonprofits and charities more generously. Many local businesses also lead by example and extend their patronage to their peers because they know the value of buying local.
5. What are some of the top challenges you see small/local businesses face? What is your best advice for them?
Supply issues and employment are currently the biggest challenges local businesses are facing. Every industry is currently dealing with these. My best advice would be to stay calm and deal with these challenges day by day and to be honest with your customer. They usually will understand if you are honest with them and will be more willing to work with you.
6. What are the benefits of shopping locally? What would you tell a customer to convince them to do so?
Local small businesses make up the backbone of our economy. These business owners are your friends and your neighbors, the parents of your child's teammate or a local leader and those owners are truly what makes the local economy work. They are invested in the community much more than a national corporation ever could be.
In recent years, a movement has begun to grow that encourages people to purchase from local businesses. Not only do these businesses depend on local patronage to survive but for every dollar spent, more stays in the local economy.
7. Why should small/local businesses have the right insurance policy? Have you heard of any stories of ones that weren't covered?
Although all business owners know they need insurance, sometimes they don't understand the importance of having the right amount of coverage. We highly recommend they contact their local insurance agent, as they are well educated in the field and know what coverage to have within the community the business is in.
Stay in touch with Buy Local Coalition on Facebook and Instagram to see their latest events. They're always active in the community with fun events supporting local businesses and charities.
Shop local for your insurance needs with Keller-Brown Insurance. Request a free quote today.