Jitters and Patriotism

Seems lately that there are plenty of folks around who have the jitters when it comes to the economy. Rightly so. Much of our local, regional, and national economy is based on confidence levels of the consumer. Everything from the stock market to retail trade hinges on what we the consumer thinks at any given moment.

The National Media seems to remind us constantly that it's a top down process.

One interesting way to deal with that on the local basis is to try whenever possible to purchase our goods and services locally. The increase in local spending sends key data to those who keep track of those sorts of things. An upturn at the local level begins the "springle up" process. Rather than waiting for national numbers to "trickle down" to us locally, we need to take better control and force the issue from the local area upward.

Our friends in Wilmar began a process earlier this year by challenging local businesses. They've asked every business to take a look at their purchasing habits and have encouraged them to increase local spending by 5% or more wherever possible. Instead of buying that box of goods from Chicago for a slightly discounted price, they encourage the "buy local" option. From what I'm hearing it's having a multi-million dollar impact on the local economy. What a simple way to keep the local economy strong and healthy.

Local business folks know that the majority of their sales probably come from near rather than far. Maybe we should remind ourselves next time that we're thinking about purchasing goods and services from afar, to take a look in our own backyard. It might be just the ticket to send the message back up the supply chain that things aren't quite that bad locally and local consumer confidence will begin having a more positive impact on the economy.

SIDELINES NOTE

One quick impression. I was very impressed with the coaches and players from the U of M Mankato football team. During the pre-game ceremony after the singing of the National Anthem they respectfully waited at attention along the sidelines while the Color Guard unit from the National Guard marched off the field. Once the colors were retired in the endzone, their team began their pre-game celebration. Too bad that others on the field and in the stands didn't show that level of respect.

That's my opinion. What's yours?