Local Character and Prosperity In an increasingly homogenized world, communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character have an economic advantage.
Community Well-Being Locally owned businesses build strong communities by sustaining vibrant town centers, linking neighbors in a web of economic and social relationships, and contributing to local causes.
Local Decision-Making Local ownership ensures that important decisions are made locally by people who live in the community and who will feel the impacts of those decisions.
Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy Compared to chain stores, locally owned businesses recycle a much larger share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.
Job and Wages Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do.
Illustrates how mega-retailers are fueling many of society's most pressing problems, how government policy has helped them, and successful strategies communities are employing to reverse this trend and rely on themselves for their own well being. Includes important study references documenting big-box impacts. Order through your local independent bookseller or from HomeTownAdvantage.org.
Explores the impacts of chain stores vs. community businesses and strategies used by communities to promote independent locally owned business. Includes successful, legally-defensible policy examples from many communities. Highly recommended for those looking for extensive factual information and examples. Order through your local independent bookseller or from HomeTownAdvantage.org.
