Over the last few years, citizens in hundreds of communities nationwide have organized to build public awareness of the benefits of buying local. When asked to name a favorite restaurant or shop, it's typically a unique, local business. These businesses define our sense of place, but we often forget that their survival depends on our patronage. Local owners, typically having invested much of their life savings in their businesses, have a natural interest in the community's long term health. Each time we spend a dollar, we must weigh the full value of our choices, not solely for ourselves, but for the future we want for our communities. Independent local businesses employ an array of supporting services. They hire architects, sign makers, contractors, accountants, insurance brokers, garbage companies, attorneys and advertising agencies. A chain store typically is a clone of other units, eliminates the need for local planning and requires little in the way of local services such as advertising or banking. Their profits are exported. On the other hand, local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses, which creates local jobs and preserves economic diversity. They also donate more money to non profits and are more accountable to their communities. We are a group of locally owned and operated businesses in York, Adams, Lancaster, Cumberland and Dauphin Counties. Our goal is to educate the public about the benefits of spending money with local businesses. We are committed to using local vendors as often as possible and encourage other businesses and individuals in the community to do the same. We are a 501c6 non-profit organization. Most people find it hard to believe that membership is completely free. We’re able to do this thanks to the generosity of our partners. Our meeting places, entertainment, education, advertising and food is provided by our partners.
