Why the campaign to get us to shop local?

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

“Think Local, Shop Local, Be Local.” What the heck is that about?

It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? Well, maybe not as obvious as you might think. The Western Springs Business Association has expanded on the notion of “Shop Local” for many reasons, not least because so many Western Springs business owners are residents of our fair town and surrounding communities.

It’s not just about drumming up business. Lynne Anne Gantt, who coordinates public relations for the Western Springs Baptist Church, and is helping the WSBA with their Shop Local campaign, tells me, “I found a quote in a local Maine newspaper that I think expresses what we are attempting to do. Barnaby Porter says shopping locally is “maintaining the true worth and character of your town, the quality of all its enterprises and the contentment of your fellow townspeople.”

Cripes. That guy just summed up everything I’ve ever said about the value of shopping locally!

Helping maintain a thriving business community by patronizing local shops and services is good for all of us. You’ve heard me complain about empty storefronts in previous columns. Does anyone remember what La Grange looked like in the early 90s? It was a ghost town. Of course I don’t want that to happen to Western Springs. Not just because it looks ugly.

The health of our business community is indicative of the value of our homes and our community. And we are so fortunate that so many of our business owners are, as Ms. Gantt says, “committed to the growth and well-being of the whole town.”

The scholarships given each year by the Western Springs Business Association to students who work in town, the Gathering on the Green and Christmas Walk, the support of our local youth sports leagues, and much, much more, show that our local businesses are willing and eager to help support our town and make it a better place.

Think Local, Shop Local, Be Local is a cooperative concept. It means we’re all in this together. It’s a wonderful way to pull the entire community — residents, businesses, service organizations — in for the single goal of maintaining and improving the village of Western Springs for the benefit of all.

The WSBA has taken many steps so far to put their plan into action, and you’ll start to see clear evidence of this in the coming months, beginning with educating the business community about the endeavor, and moving on to the residential community (consider this column part of your education!).

Watch for deals in ads here in The Doings and other local and online publications. Keep your eyes out for coupons that will be distributed in a variety of ways.

But most importantly, head uptown to do your shopping! I can’t tell you how many times I have, strictly out of bad habit, headed for the big box stores, and then turned around and headed back uptown. Sure, I can head to Target and pick up a gallon of milk and some meat for dinner, laundry detergent, a new sweater, lightbulbs and a tape measure (I always lose them — when I’ve been finally moved into the old-folks home, someone will be cleaning my house and will find 27 tape measures and seriously question my sanity).

But when I do that, I miss out on an opportunity to chat with the almost absurdly helpful people at Village True Value. I forgo the chance to say hi to Joe Lane at Casey’s and catch up on what live music we’ve seen lately. (And you can bet your sweet bippy no one at Target is going to tell me how long to grill the chicken kabobs I’m buying, or to suggest the perfect accompanying salad! And if you haven’t signed up to receive the weekly Casey’s email newsletter, head to their website and do so immediately!)

Whether the people who make their living in Western Springs actually know my name, they always act as if they’ve known me for years. I love that about shopping in town. I love that downtown Western Springs feels small town and homey, but we’re just thirty minutes from the city. We are so lucky!

I know, I know. I’m a relentless cheerleader. Maybe I’m even a little annoying at times when I’m doing the literary equivalent of foaming at the mouth over how much I adore Western Springs. So, Think Local, Shop Local, Be Local. I’m making a commitment to do as many of my purchases, and use of services, through Western Springs businesses. Won’t you join me? I’ll keep you posted all summer on how I’m managing, and clue you in to some of the great stuff I discover.

Viki Gonia: (708) 824-8027;
doingsnews@pioneerlocal.com.