Ways You Can Support The Local Economy: Utica and New Hartford

Buying local and supporting the local economy is easier than you might think.

Here are just a few things to keep in mind:

• When choosing between a chain and a "mom and pop" store for the same products, choose the family business.  Sometimes prices are a little higher, but it is usually worth the added customer service and local benefit.
• Getting to know the manager of a local business is often easier than it is to do in a chain.  There are usually fewer employees and the boss is usually the owner, and is usually there much of the time.
• If you are unsure about whether there is a local version of a national fixer-upper, ask another local business.  Small businesses keep track of who's who in the community, and are part of bigger organisations and chambers of commerce or business associations that exist primarily to help other small businesses in the neighborhood.