What Local is - and what it isn't.

That certainly is the case with any other chain you can name; go into the loca Smith's, Whole Foods, Gordman's, Dick's, even the venerable Sear's and J.C. Penney and you'll find they have to defer to the corporate offices for the vast majority of decisions regarding community philanthropy, product lines, labor negotiations and the list goes on.  Buy the way, those are the same corporate offices your money gets transferred to daily.

So, "Local" certainly is NOT the chain store on your side of the river, in your part of town, or anywhere in the U.S.A..

Local is the locally owned, independently operated business who's owner you can look in the eye on most work days. The one you ask to donate to your kids' ball team or dance club.  The one who is most likely to take it to heart when you ask him to carry a new brand. Go online and get something "Local" from somewhere else - just not Amazon - please!

Local is the locally owned, independently operated business in that city on the other side of the continent where your loved one lives.

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday but you can start your local shopping on Friday by avoiding the mobs at the chains and spending some "quality time" choosing thoughtful gifts from your neighbors' businesses.

You'll find it so much more rewarding than saving a half a buck on anything you'll make Buying Local" your New Year's resolution!

Besides, nothing says "You'll do" like a carelessly chosen gift from a big box. ;)