From the desk of Bob Smith...

In my most recent position as director of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, I largely was responsible for communicating with small businesses throughout much of the tri-state area. Our membership crossed state boundaries into West Virginia and Kentucky. The communication took the form of weekly e-newsletters, bi-monthly newsletters, biz4breakfast one hour workshops, business after hours and monthly luncheons as well as an annual trip to the state capitol in Columbus to meet with area legislators. In recent weeks there have been national and regional salutes to small businesses which encouraged customers to buy locally. I, for one, feel this should not just be a one time event each year but a consistent shopping experience. Another thing to remember is that small businesses are always looking for ways to go one-up on the competition and chamber involvement is a good way to do just that. In the words from a man by the name of Roy Smith (no relation) “The successful man is the one who finds out what is the matter with his business before his competitor does.” As a member of a Chamber of Commerce small businesses will thrive through the wide avenues of networking that are available to them. Small business is the backbone of our country's economy. So, the next time you're in the market for a shirt, a chainsaw, or even an automobile (Advantage Toyota is my pick), shop locally. It is the right thing to do