PHILIPSBURG—The Philipsburg Main Street Program is urging the citizens of the Moshannon Valley to unchain themselves on Nov. 20—to do any business they plan to do on that day only at local independent businesses. Philipsburg Unchained! is part of America Unchained, a national campaign of the American Business Alliance (AMIBA).
“The Philipsburg Main Street Program aims to reach every citizen to come together in support of Moshannon Valley through demonstrating that their personal spending decisions affect the whole community, both now and for the future,” said Emily Gette-Doyle.
“We also want to encourage folks, while they’re taking part in Philipsburg Unchained, to make a point of thanking our local business owners for their contributions to the community, both in goods and services, but also to local charities and organizations. Small businesses give a greater percentage of their business income back to the community than their larger competitors. Local Business sponsors the Little League, Local Business sponsored Heritage Days that was enjoyed by so many of us. We rely on our local businesses for so much more than just providing products or services,” stated Walter Swoope, Main Street board president.
Total economic impact is determined by measuring three components — the direct, indirect, and induced impacts.
- Direct impact is spending done by a business in the local economy to operate the business, including inventory, utilities, equipment and pay to employees.
- Indirect impact refers to the conventional multiplier that happens as dollars the local business spends at other area businesses re-circulate.
- Induced impact refers to the additional consumer spending that happens as employees, business owners and others spend their income in the local economy.
“Studies from small towns in Maine to sizeable cities like Austin, TX found that local independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do. A study released in 2004 looked at the local economic impact of 10 independent businesses and 10 chains in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago and found that the independents generate 70 percent more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores,” said American Independent Business Alliance director Jennifer Rockne. “Why? Because our independent businesses pay local employees, use the goods and services of other local independent businesses and give back to community institutions far more than chains.” said Rockne.
“The Moshannon Valley stands to gain in every way by supporting our independent businesses. They provide us with essential goods and services, well-paying jobs, and continued opportunities for citizens to own their own business here. They are critical parts of Philipsburg’s social, cultural and economic health. Supporting them is good for us personally and our community,” stated Gette-Doyle.
Resources: Web site of the American Independent Business Alliance: AMIBA.net
Studies referenced located at: http://amiba.net/recommended.html#studies
Web site: www.philipsburgpa.org