Today's Weather

Click for Sierra Vista, Arizona Forecast

INSIDE THE CHAMBER: How spending locally has a wider impact in the community

Published/Last Modified on Sunday, Jul 27, 2008 - 05:24:08 am MST

Font Size

Commentary by Susan Tegmeyer
Special to the Herald/Review

Since the Greater Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce launched its Shop Local program earlier this month, we have been receiving a lot of positive feedback from our member businesses and organizations.

The aim of the campaign is to place the spotlight firmly on local businesses and to inform the public of the many benefits of shopping in the greater Sierra Vista area, in particular at chamber members. Of course, shopping local saves gas and money, but one of the most important reasons to keep your money here is the benefit it brings to area charities.

Sierra Vista has a wonderful reputation for giving.

There are many nonprofit organizations in the region that are able to keep their doors open because of the generosity of local residents.

But as well as receiving specific donations, these charities also greatly benefit through indirect giving.

This community is lucky enough to have a string of businesses which readily and consistently support local nonprofits, through both monetary and in-kind donations.

Every year the chamber of commerce awards two such companies with our small and large business of the year awards.

These titles go to firms which have demonstrated excellent and ethical business practices, as well as a continued interest in contributing to the betterment of the community.

Previous winners have included Southwest Gas, Gateway Studio Suites, Sun Canyon Inn, Landmark Café, Outback Steakhouse, Lawley Automotive and Horizon Moving Systems, to name just a few. Each of these businesses has given generously to area charities.

However, without the support of local residents and visitors, these companies would be unable to donate their time or money. It is the patronage of their customers that allows these businesses to become good corporate citizens.

When someone enjoys a breakfast at the Landmark, eats dinner at the Outback or buys a car at Lawley’s, they are indirectly helping local charities. When you spend your money in Sierra Vista, or when you donate to locally based charities, your money stays right here in this community.

You are helping the non-profits which are making their own significant contributions to this community through the work that they do — organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista, Good Neighbor Alliance, the Salvation Army and CANTER.

Many of these charities are helping local families in crisis. And they are helping those people who are truly feeling the effects of the current economic status.

But without the donations they receive every year, this simply would not be possible. They would not have the ability to keep their programs going.

There are also many community events taking place throughout the year which rely on the generosity and support of area businesses.

One such event is the chamber’s Home & Business Expo that, along with the Shop Local campaign, is sponsored by Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Cox, Fry’s Food and Drug Stores, Southwest Gas, Sierra Vista Ace, Castle & Cooke, Horizon Moving Systems, the Sierra Vista Herald, Cherry Creek Radio and KKYZ.

Our Shop Local campaign will be running throughout the rest of the year, but will reach its first significant milestone at the expo on Sept. 13 at Buena High School.

This will be the first time that members of the public can pick up our new Shop Local shopping bag, which will contain the chamber’s Membership Directory, as well as coupons and giveaways from expo vendors.

Registration forms are available for the expo — you must be a chamber member to participate — on our Web site www.sierravistachamber.org or at our offices at 21 E. Wilcox Drive. If you register before Aug. 22 the fee for a booth is just $150 — a savings of $45.

In return for your investment you will have the opportunity to meet thousands of potential new customers at this popular event.

For information on the expo or any other chamber event or program, call 458-6940.

SUSAN TEGMEYER is president/CEO of the Greater Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact the chamber at 458-6940, or at its office at 21 E. Wilcox Drive. Look for Tegmeyer’s column every other Sunday in the Herald/Review.

Print this story Email this story

Font Size

Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.
Comments appear once they are approved. Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

Concerned Citizen wrote on Aug 6, 2008 8:27 AM:

" IF the local stores had items in stock and in the sizes people needed that would help. Just try buying a size 9 shoe on sale around here. "

Are you seriously suggesting this wrote on Aug 2, 2008 5:21 PM:

" Just so I understand ... I'm supposed to buy locally even if it means spending more than I would elsewhere so that these local business can then distribute a minute portion of that money to charities which in turn does who-knows-what with the money? Hmmm. No thanks! If I were to do that, *I'd* soon be the one in need of charity! "

I bought local wrote on Jul 30, 2008 10:49 AM:

" I did go to Tucson to wheel and deal for my new vehical. They were rude and basically told me if the "guy in Sierra Vista" can give you more on your trade in, you should by it from him. So I did, and they did give 4K more than Tucson would have. Two days after the purchase, they called to see if I still wanted to "deal'. Too late, and I let the owner know in writing how rude his employees were. "

Meet or Beat the Price wrote on Jul 28, 2008 5:29 PM:

" I found a car cheaper in Tucson. I went to a local dealer and asked them to meet or beat the price...and they did. Don't complain if you don't give the local businesses the opportunity to meet or beat the price you find on the internet or out of town. "

To Positive comment wrote on Jul 27, 2008 7:37 PM:

" I am sure they can donate some money to the community when they overcharge you.
I saved over $2K by buying a car elsewhere. "

Positive comment wrote on Jul 27, 2008 5:25 PM:

" Often those who blog...rarely blog positive comments. But I will. I believe that by supporting businesses within Sierra Vista (chamber member or not) we are helping our local economy. From the owner of the business to the employees they employ. If the local economy isn't supported, then then inturn cannot support the local charities, who inturn can't support the people who truly need supporting. I live in Sierra Vista and believe I have an obligation to support my local community. "

Heard it here wrote on Jul 27, 2008 5:58 AM:

" Susan said they are recieving a lot of positive feedback from their members.
Could be true, but from the comments on here from the consumers, it doesn't seem that positive. "