Novato is proud of, and grateful for, its local businesses. In support and gratitude for the owners’ and managers’ hard work and commitment to bringing us goods and services, our parade this year honors that commitment.
You might’ve seen advertisements for “Shop Local Novato” campaign. It’s a collaboration between the Novato Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Novato Business Association and the City of Novato to promote the local economy and urge residents to spend their money right here in town rather than boosting the coffers of nearby cities. It’s that spirit that created the parade theme this year, “Salute to Novato Business.” It will showcased when the parade starts at 10 a.m. Friday on Grant Avenue.
Dollars spent at local business don’t stray far from home. Tax revenue strengthens city and county tax bases, which supports infrastructure and public safety. Think about it: If you want the local government to provide great parks, streets, police and other services, you can support that effort through your sales taxes. That’s what the Buy Local mantra is all about.
Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Our two greatest economic resources are customers and local businesses that provide what customers want and need. Before you go shopping – including online -- consider these points:
· Locally owned businesses are what builds community character, boosts hometown pride and differentiates one town from the next.
Find out what's happening in Novatowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
· Visiting and supporting local businesses provides a cultural base for every neighborhood and promotes small-town charm.
· Most local businesses are owned by people who have made the choice to be there for very good reasons and feel like they are stakeholders in the town’s success.
· Local business owners are champion supporters of our service organizations, youth sports teams and nonprofits and serve as mentors to each other.
· Buying locally keeps shopper travel times down and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
· Local business owners who need supplies often make purchases from other local suppliers because they understand the domino effect of local economic support.
· Locally owned businesses create the majority of our jobs.
· Locally owned businesses know that customer service is a crucial part of their success and customer loyalty.
· Entrepreneurs are welcomed in Novato, supported by family and friends to help them get a new business off the ground. They are the ones to find a local need and fill it.
One more reason: Our Novato Chamber of Commerce is coming up on its centennial celebration in August 2015. Yes, the chamber is nearly double as old as the official city government! Let’s keep supporting homegrown commerce through the parade’s official “Salute to Novato Business.”
