In an article recently from the University of Wyoming is said that a dollar spent locally turns over 3-7 times before it leaves the local economy. That means $1 spent in our communities has the impact of several dollars.

Here’s how it works. When a dollar is spent with a local merchant, the merchant then pays for its inventory, employees’ wages and overhead. The merchant then buys groceries, and necessities. The grocer pays rent and wages and purchases other necessities. And the cycle continues until someone buys something from out of town.

Tax is paid on every purchase and a portion of that comes back and is spent on wages and supplies in our communities. It is that simple.

By giving local merchants a chance to earn your business, you give the local economy a greater chance of thriving.

So, save gas, time, and the extra cash spent on lunch and shop locally first. Let’s make it our New Year’s Resolution to not break the cycle and shop locally throughout the year.