Antiques

SHOP LOCAL! Just exactly what does this mean to Howe residents?

Georgia I was Caraway interested that in the Feb. 3 issue of the Howe Enterprise, the reprint of the front page of the Enterprise from 45 years ago featured a column about Dale Rideout taking over the leadership of the Howe Chamber. The article stated that his key aim was to promote “Shop Locally First.” Rideout said if he could promote any one thing during his term of office above all others it would be to create more interest among Howe residents in the town itself. He went further to explain that this meant encouraging Howe folks to shop and support businesses that are located in the city limits of Howe.

Rideout points out further some of the benefits to Howe when consumers buy or support local businesses. He writes: A portion of sales tax translates into lower tax rates and better city services, sometimes prices are lower in a smaller town (the exception is big discounts you get at the big box stores), savings on gasoline and car wear and tear, and the value that can be placed on your time.” Mr. Rideout had it right!

Some other benefits to shopping locally are:

of the community. • Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. • Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future. • Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community. In addition, nationally owned businesses often demanding tax incentives. • A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Thinking about Howe’s business establishments, we find that our small town has wonderful homecooking-style restaurants in Abby’s and Gabriela’s, and terrific pizza at Palios, quality fast food at Sonic, and a deli at Quick Chek Market. And I just heard last weekend that the renovation of the lobby of Don’s Smokehouse is going to be a meat market again. I am so excited about this news.

• Howe will realize Local

Economic Stimulus. • Non-profits Receive Greater

Support. • Unique Businesses

Create Character &

Prosperity. • Environmental Impact Is

Reduced. Location is closer to center city and contributes less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution. • Most New Jobs Are Provided

By Local Businesses. • Customer Service Is Better and more Personalized. • Local Business Owners

Reinvest In Community— community groups receive an average of 250 percent more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses. • Public Benefits Far Outweigh

Public Costs • Climate change reduction • Keep community unique-makes our community home. • Create jobs • Small businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of Howe. Our tourism businesses (restaurants) also benefit. • Significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms continuing to strengthen the economic base Our town boasts local plumbers, a reliable and skilled air conditioning and heating company in Baker’s; a friendly and professional hometown bank in Independent Financial; and our newest business Good Fellas Barber Shop is drawing in folks from all over the area (esp. their loyal customers from Anna).

Non-profit charities like Peggy’s Porch, Feed My Sheep, and New Beginning Fellowship provide necessary help to those in need. Taking your gently worn men’s women’s and children’s clothing and shoes to Peggy’s rather than out-of-town Goodwills and Salvation Armys makes great sense. You will be helping your own friends and neighbors. Churches might not be considered businesses, but attending with your neighbors creates an even stronger bond within the community. And of course, advertising in the Howe Enterprise to promote your businesses is smart.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Howe Mercantile which is approaching 5 years in business in downtown Howe. Handcrafted items such as Wayne’s amazing goat soap produced from the milk of Howe-raised goats, to Jahron’s pickles and okra products, to Jake’s funny and creative Bots, and Michelle’s wildflower arrangements are only a few of the quality handmade and homegrown items in the shop. You may not know that the experienced dealers who provide antique and collectible items come from Garland, Van Alstyne, Flower Mound, Denton, McKinney, Howe, Sherman, and Pennsylvania. They bring a diversity of antiques that are unmatched anywhere in the metroplex. We offer three buildings full of unusual gift items and collector’s items located right in Howe on Haning Street.

SHOP LOCAL!!!! WE CAN SHOW YOU HOWE!!