COMMUNITY NEWS
The Benefits of Buying Locally BY CHRIS WEBER
We all know that buying from local and independently owned businesses can benefit our community, but how much of a difference does it make? Buying local is a trend that has gained momentum in recent years. While this is nothing new for older generations, younger people sometimes need incentives to buy products that don’t bear a corporate brand name. Some of the most notable positives of buying locally come from locally produced food. Living close to a major city, we often forget that Illinois is farm land. Most of the food we consume can be purchased from local farmers if we put in the effort to learn where our food is coming from. Locally produced food is usually a few days more fresh than food shipped long distances. Fresh foods not only taste better, but provide more vitamins and minerals and are less likely to carry harmful pathogens or additives. Another major benefit of buying products in the neighborhood is a strengthened local economy. The
Village of Franklin Park recently h igh l ighted t he 3/50 proje c t (the3/50project.net). The 3/50 project is an organization dedicated to saving brick and mortar businesses by encouraging people to buy from local independently owned stores. According to the village “ For every $50 spent in locally owned stores, $34 returns to the community through payroll, other expenditures and taxes. If you spend $50 in a national chain, only $22 stays here. If you spend it online, $0 returns to the Village.” The environmental benefits of buying locally are also significant. Locally produced goods travel less distance and require less fuel to reach consumers. Leyden Township is in a location where many local buying opportunities are present. For example, I like to buy groceries at Super Low Foods in Schiller Park because it is close to my home and it is locally and independently owned. When I buy milk products produced by Dean Foods at Super Low, I am benefiting two companies that employ
Allegra Banquets
workers and pay taxes in my area. For Halloween, I give out Baby Ruth candy bars and Ferarra Pan Candy products because I know they are produced in my area as well. Buying locally may take some research and getting use to at first, but it will benefit the community on many levels. I invite everyone who has read this article to rise to the challenge of spending a larger portion of their budget on locally sold and produced products.
• THINK SPRING/SUMMER. Contact a
Gift Ideas From Local Businesses
• QUEEN FOR A DAY. How about giving
Shopping locally doesn’t necessarily mean buying a dress or shoes. Here are some ideas that can support local businesses in your area that are practical too! • HAIR CUT. Everyone gets their hair cut. How about a gift certificate from a local hair salon or barber.
• GIFT OF HEALTH. Gym memberships; an appropriate gift for all ages who want to improve or maintain their health.
• CAR DETAILING. Small owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
O’Hare’s “Suite”-est New Secret (Located inside the Comfort Suites, O’Hare Hotel)
Make Your Wedding Simply Unforgettable!
local landscaper and ask if they could create a gift certificate for lawn mowing, power raking, aeration and/or any yard cleanup in the spring.
• SNOW PLOWING. Some local landscapers snow plow during the winter; why not give a gift of a clean driveway during storms?
• CAR REPAIR SHOPS. Everyone’s car
needs an oil change. There are numerous car repair shops and oil change quick stops that would love to offer that gift certificate. mom, or dad, a day off from cleaning. Hire a local housekeeper for a day or for a few months.
As the above article states, buying locally can benefit not just one business but several. With the economy as it is, our local businesses would appreciate any of your dollars this Christmas season. We’re sure, friends, family and co-workers would appreciate these ideas more than something wrapped in a gift box that might not fit!
Legends Sports Bar (Located inside the Comfort Suites, O’Hare Hotel)
Hosting Groups from 20 - 250
Great Food!
Premium Open Bar Complimentary Suite for Bride & Groom Discounted Hotel Rate for Banquet Guests Unbelievable Friday & Sunday Packages Receptions to Fit All Budgets Wedding Receptions ~ Ceremonies Showers ~ Christenings
Great Prices!
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Us! Party with
Ring in the new Year with
in our Grand Ballroom Tickets are only $125 per person
in Legends Restaurant Tickets are only $110 per person
at Comfort Suites O’Hare Hotel For reservations, call 847-233-9000
WiTH ReSeRvATiOn FOR 10P $100 DiSCOUnT
WiTH ReSeRvATiOn FOR 10P $100 DiSCOUnT
MenTiOn THe ALLeGRA BAnqUeTS PARTY
MARKUS BAND
DJ Darek
Stay the night
$79 Hotel Suite
The Party Starts at 8pm and will continue til 3am • Premium Open Bar
Complete dinner featuring chicken, beef, pork and all your favorite side dishes. An elegant sweets table • Vodka on the tables all night long • Evening snacks including a deli platter and more
2 for 1 Entrees Buy One Entree and Get a Second One of Equal or Lesser Value
FREE
PP
With Coupon. Minimum $10 Purchase. Exp. 1/15/12
4200 N. River Rd., Schiller Park (at Irving Park) www.AllegraBanquets.com 847-987-0897 12 People & Places • December 2011