The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

A recent New York Times article, "Farm Country Feeds America. But Just Try Buying Groceries There," by Jack Healy, nailed what happens when a community loses its grocery store.

The article shares the story of Winchester, Illinois, whose only grocery store shuttered.

After fundraising efforts, similar to a grassroots movement we experienced in Clearwater, a community-owned grocery store opened; however, members were unable to land a produce supplier.

Now, the store sells produce and baked goods grown and made by local residents and offers cooking classes and wine tastings to draw customers through the front door.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately five million individuals in rural areas travel 10 miles or more to purchase groceries. A lot of these individuals live in the heart of our country.

The story of a dwindling rural America isn't limited to grocery stores. It can happen to any Main Street business, in any town.

That's why it is important to support local businesses.

The shop local movement creates a ripple effect, benefiting the community.

According to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, "For every $100 spent at locally owned businesses, $68 stays in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community."

The $25 differential is vital for rural economic development, creating jobs and reinvesting sales tax dollars in the community.

The $25 differential doesn't support a CEO of a multi-million dollar corporation who never steps foot in your town. Instead, it's spent locally, at the grocery store or restaurant or bar or mini-mart or mechanic's shop.

Those of us who choose to run a small, independent business donate more to local causes. In fact, local business owners donate at more than twice the rate of a chain store.

Over the weekend, I viewed a video about The Most Unlikely Place, in Lewellen, Nebraska.

Two couples purchased a 100-year-old building a decade ago, renovated it and opened an art gallery. Since its debut, the business has expanded to a coffee shop. Now, Sunday brunch is served.

Their theory: Start taking action. Do less planning. Make more direct change.

The Most Unlikely Place features local artists' wares, supports Nebraska authors, hosting book signings and offers live music.

Its owners, Cynthia and Dennis Miller, Rex Miller and Jean Jensen, believe the shop has spurred growth and created activity in town. In five years, 49 homes have sold.

"When people see the town is alive, more people want to live there," Cynthia said.

The entrepreneurial spirit is alive in well in communities across Nebraska, like Albion, where Hwy 14 Brewery sprouted up, or Stromsburg, where the 4th Street Coffee House makes a mean mocha frappe and in a rustic, upscale storefront.

We need to promote entrepreneurs in our area, support those who have a vision of what is possible.

Shopping local, supporting local and being local is the first step to growing our communities.