Business Connections by Adams

S U MM E R 2 0 2 0 3 BUSINESS connections Why Buy Local? Now more than ever, we need to support small local businesses M easures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have dramatically changed buying habits. This presents major challenges to our local business community, particularly to small retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses. While you may not be able to visit some of these establishments as you normally would, you can still support them. Here are some of the top reasons to do so: Greater Economic Vitality The money you spend in locally owned stores has two to three times the economic impact of dollars spent at national retailers. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $45 goes back into the community and our tax base. By comparison, for every $100 spent at a chain store, only $14 comes back. More and Better Jobs For every two jobs a national retailer brings to a community, three higher-wage jobs are lost due to local businesses closing. Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, and they provide the most jobs to our residents. Protection of Unique Culture Local one-of-a-kind businesses reflect our unique culture and character, contributing to the success of tourism. Improved Product Selection A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based on the needs of their local customers rather than a national sales plan, results in a much broader range of product choices. Environmental Benefits Big-box stores and other national retailers usually require large undeveloped land to accommodate their needs. Buying local means shopping closer to home, which means less sprawl and the resulting habitat loss along with reduced driving and dependence on oil. Increased Support for Community Groups Local nonprofit organizations receive an average of 250 percent more support from smaller, locally owned business owners than they do from national companies. Efficient Use of Taxes Local businesses typically require a much smaller infrastructure investment as compared to nationally owned stores that enter a community. This makes for a more efficient use of public services. While we realize it may not always be possible to buy what you need from a local business, please remember to think local first. Internet Connectivity Has Never Been More Important The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how every business operates, and Adams is no exception. Many of our employees are now working from home, our offices were temporarily closed to the public, and procedures for our field technicians have been adjusted for their safety. What hasn’t changed at Adams is our long-term commitment to keeping you connected. Years ago, we invested heavily in our fiber networks to provide reliable and virtually unlimited broadband to our service area. Today, those networks are meeting the challenge of unprecedented home Internet use—one of the biggest mass behavior changes our nation has ever experienced. As an Internet service provider, we believe it’s our civic duty to do everything possible to maintain the connections between people and vital online resources. The Internet serves as a lifeline during social distancing, and we take our role seriously. Please call us at 217-214-8708 if your business needs help with any communications issues. We also encourage you to check www.adams.net and our Facebook page for updates related to the pandemic. Stay safe out there!