Locally owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses which helps grow the Lakeshore area businesses and tax base.

Local business owners tend to donate more to local charities.

The unique character of the Lakeshore are what brought us here and keeps us here. Tourism businesses also benefit.

Local purchases require less transportation costs, and local businesses tend to set up shop in town centers which generally contribute to less sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.

Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.

Local business owners live here, are less likely to leave and are more invested in the community's future.

Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

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 unique businesses and distinctive character.

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 unique businesses and distinctive character.