Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Urges Buy local, Do the Right Thing

Hudson, NY - September carries the flavor of New Year. The distractions of summer are packed away, schools open, the air is crisp, leaves show the first hint of color, and there's a renewed sense of determination in the air as people start new schedules and change habits.

That also makes it a good time for consumers and business decision-makers to think about the many economic advantages of “buying local.” County government teamed up several years ago with the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce to promote “Shop Columbia County First,” explaining how dollars spent locally help boost a local economy that can use all the help it can get. This time of year the message especially targets back-to-school shoppers.

But buying local is not just for retail consumers. Business-to-business transactions represent great purchasing power too, and now the Chamber of Commerce wants to harness that power to benefit the local economy.

The Chamber hosts a Buy Local Business Expo in late October to encourage business-to-business buying. More than 60 exhibitors will display their products and services to the 500-plus business people expected to attend.

Most buyers and business leaders do not realize just how many sourcing opportunities are available here in Columbia County . No need to call an 800 number answered in Bangalore , India . No need to go on the Internet. Most services and many products are just a local phone call away. This Expo offers the opportunity to learn what is available right here at home in your own backyard.

There is obvious value in buying locally, because of the economic ripple effect. Using a local contractor, for example, means employment for the contractor's crew, which means taxes and wages spread around the county that are then used to buy more local products and services – from fruit at the local farmstand to car repair at the local garage.

“A higher percentage of the dollars stay within the local community when you buy local as opposed to going elsewhere,” points out Kelly Drahushuk, owner of The Spotty Dog in Hudson .

But Ms. Drahushuk sees an even bigger advantage at stake in buying local. By supporting local businesses, she says, customers are helping maintain the character of the area. “We have so many unusual and distinctive businesses that, along with the architecture and history, make Hudson what it is. It is the people and the businesses that make Hudson unique.”

For her, buying local isn't just raw economics. It's a way to protect local resources and maintain the geographic connections that make neighborhoods, communities, and friends.

When she opened 14 months ago in the former C.H. Evans Firehouse, she used only local contractors – for everything from plastering and painting to heating, carpentry and electrical. The materials came from a local lumberyard and the specialty items – for the bar and other vintage items – came from Warren Street shops.

Now that she is up and running, she buys the food she serves locally along with printing, computers and service, insurance and office supplies.

“It's all about the relationships,” says Ms. Drahushuk. “It is so much easier to deal face to face than to go on the Internet or call out of the area, especially if I need something quickly or something that is unusual.”

Rita Van Alstyne of R H Van Alstyne, Inc., jewelry shops in Chatham and Hudson, relishes the same advantages. “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to grow a business in a safe environment and to develop a lot of friendships along the way.” She too relies on other local businesses for everything from building maintenance to bookkeeping, cleaning and printing. She even buys the boxes and bags she uses to wrap her merchandise from a Columbia County resident.

Buying local just makes sense, says Bill Gilbert, co-owner of Catamount Ski Area. “We want to see everyone as profitable as possible,” he says, adding, “the more money they make, the more they can spend here.”

Obviously buying local is not just a matter of blind loyalty. Ed Herrington of Herrington, Inc. building supplies in Hillsdale points out, “We're all measured against somebody who does it well.” For him, doing business locally is dependent on finding good products and service. That competitiveness then provides an incentive for quality.

Mr. Herrington supports the Chamber's upcoming Expo, saying flatly, “trade shows work.”

He is not the only supporter. Sponsoring the Buy Local Business Expo are Mid-Hudson VIP; National Union Bank of Kinderhook; First Niagara Bank; The Register-Star/Chatham Courier; Midhudsonmedia; Dunn Builders Supply; The Bank of Greene County; Chatham Properties; Columbia Hudson Partnership; Shallo, Galluscio, Bianchi & Fucito, CPAs, PC; Winnovative Tech Consulting, LLC; and The Executive Connection.

The Expo is slated for Thursday, October 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Columbia-Greene Community College gymnasium. Booth prices start at $100 and include a print and radio marketing campaign, mailing to more than 2,000 businesses, promotion in various Chamber publications, advertising opportunities in the program book, a list of attendees, and pre-event networking.

For information about sponsorship or a booth, contact the Chamber at 828-4417. Click here for a registration form.

In the meantime, remember that 4% of the taxable purchases you make here in Columbia County are dollars that stay right here to fund county, city, town and village operations. The more that total amounts too, the less expense has to be met by property taxes.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County , providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.