Up and down el Rio Blanco: Locals are key to our survival

By BOBBY [email protected] main purpose of a business is to make a profit and the way that is accomplished is by providing quality products and services to customers at competitive prices.A lot of things must happen to become a successful business but in my opinion, business success is not just measured in profits and as a customer, success is not just measured by purchasing the cheapest product or service.Earlier this week, the Rio Blanco County commissioners awarded bids for several vehicles used by different county departments and three of them will be purchased from our local dealership.Although the local dealership was not the lowest bidder, the commissioners were praised by several local taxpayers in attendance, including myself, for their ability to see the value of buying local.It has been tough being in any business the past couple of years, that is why supporting local businesses is important now. Even more so in small communities, local customers are key to their survival.It is hard to write about shopping locally without seeming self-serving, since my wife and I opened a coffee shop more than two years ago and she has owned and operated a retail store for more than 16 years. Even as the editor of the paper, it will still read as self-serving, because the paper, too, is a business. We are in the business of advertising businesses, including our own. The truth is, without local support, none of the businesses I’m associated with would survive.I believe it is my responsibility as a business owner to provide quality products and services to locals. As editor, I feel it is my responsibility to help educate people on the benefits of shopping locally and to promote and support our local businesses to the best of my ability. When we purchase our goods and services locally, most of the money circulates as many as six or seven times within our communities.Buying locally allows businesses to accomplish their goal of profitability, possibly expanding, creating more jobs and helping sustain our communities.It’s our local businesses that support our schools, roads and public facilities. It’s our local businesses who take the lead raising funds when someone in our community is in need. It’s our local businesses who buy Girl Scout cookies, 4-H animals, new sport uniforms, provide funds for educational and extracurricular activities and trips for kids, making our communities a great place to raise kids.I believe all businesses understand the value of supporting our local communities and the people in them and I know they appreciate the local support they receive. Locals are key to our survival. Thanks for your support.