Tough economic times such as the current recession usually result in a number of marketing strategies designed to attract buyers and their money into businesses of all types. One such strategy that is gaining greater traction in today’s economy is the “shop local” movement, such as that being pushed by the Tooele Chamber of Commerce’s new “Come Together” campaign. While the buy-local concept certainly isn’t new, the current economic situation is drawing more and more attention to both the importance and the plight of independent local businesses in America.

What is important about local businesses is what they are and what they represent. Independent businesses are a vital and vibrant element of America’s economy. They provide the backbone of both large urban centers and smaller communities like Tooele. While large chain-stores like Walgreens, Sears, Big 5 and even Wal-Mart are necessary to our city’s economic future, it is important that we also understand and appreciate what local businesses do for our community.

Local businesses help to provide a more vibrant, unique, and community-oriented business environment. For the most part, local business owners live in the communities their businesses serve, helping to create a greater sense of community in the marketplace. Economically speaking, small businesses tend to be more innovative, helping to spur product diversity, higher levels of service, and new developments. From the perspective of a free market, what could possibly represent a better free-market economy than thousands of small businesses competing — and cooperating — to provide the best possible products and services to consumers?

Tooele is in a unique position. The city is growing enough to nearly be a self-sustaining economy, yet its proximity to Salt Lake City makes it easy to jump in the car and go shopping in the big city. However, Tooele has a number of independent businesses that can meet the needs of this growing community locally. While not many of these independent businesses have the resources to carry inventory like Wal-Mart does, they do offer more personalized and attentive service.

There are a number of local businesses in Tooele that strive to provide locals with alternatives to driving into Salt Lake, and the local business community is growing every day.

In order for this to continue, however, Tooele citizens need to become involved. When you can, shop locally and support our independent business community. The amount of tax revenue generated from the municipal percentage of sales tax may not be terribly significant, but in this economy every single dollar helps. Not only that, the small local businesses are the ones that really make our community unique. And your patronage will help to keep our local business owners in business, making a difference in our community every day by their very existence.

Bob Henline is a Tooele resident and political activist. He can be reached at bob@nonpart.org.