One.

That's the number of people it takes to make a difference in our community.

And what is the single easiest thing one person can do to make a difference in our community? 

The answer: SHOP LOCAL!

Indeed, spending your money in Morgan County has a rippling impact on nearly every aspect of developing a strong communuity. Every purchase matters. As the holiday shopping season is now upon is, here are four simple ways your buying behavior makes a difference in your area:

Tax Base: Shopping local increases our tax base. By spending your money in Morgan County, more sales tax is being generated by your favorite local stores and restaurants, and that tax is vital to our community. Common uses for local sales tax include investments in schools, police and fire departments, road projects, sanitation services, libraries and parks.

Jobs: Local stores employ many local residents, which means there will be more job opportunities within our community. The increase in jobs also has a spinoff effect: local stores will need to hire other local service providers to help with accounting, create store signs, etc. Also, local employees spend their paycheck locally, creating a cycle of revenue.

Competition: Having a multitude of stores within our community, all stores – big and small – will keep prices competitive and increase the number of customers from outside our county.

Community Development: By shopping at stores in our area, you will run into your friends and family more often – which helps unite the community – and you will know what goods and services are available in Morgan County to recommend them to others. Area businesses also are more likely to donate and support local causes in their own community.

We at the Chamber encourage you to share these with your friends and family as you make your shopping list and check it twice. Discover (or RE-discover!) everything retail in Morgan County has to offer!

Grant Thompson is the communications director for the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber. He has served in the role since 2013 and is responsible for all communications strategy, messaging and media engagement for the Chamber. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .