Published in the November 25 – December 8, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Morgan Hill Life file photo
BookSmart is just one of many small businesses that help keep the local Morgan Hill economy humming.
The end-of-year holidays are my favorite time of year. This is a magical time of year for going to parties, giving gifts, being generous and spreading peace, joy and understanding.
Morgan Hill’s community culture is generally generous and accepting, and this time of year brings out the best in us.
This year the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Edward Boss Prado Foundation’s Second Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Other participating local businesses and organizations include the city of Morgan Hill, CalFire, Union Bank, Chase Bank, Heritage Bank, Noah’s Bistro, NAPA Morgan Hill, Morgan Hill Unified Schools, the Almaden Athletic Club, Ponzini’s Community Garage and Towing, Don Nguyen, DDS, Morgan Hill Kiwanis, the Centennial Recreation Center, Dezign Hair Salon, Thinker Toys, BookSmart, Sport Clips, Lin Engineering and the Wolf Pack Racing Team. You can donate new, unwrapped toys at any of those participating places.
The community support provided by local businesses is but one of the many great reasons to shop where you live. I realize how tempting online shopping can be, but please don’t forget your local stores. Not only does supporting them support your community, but it is just plain fun to interact with shop keepers and employees who really want to help you find that “wow” gift you will be proud to give. Seeing things in person and getting knowledgeable input from real people is a special experience which adds to the fun of the holidays.
I could go on and on about the many economic benefits of keeping your money close to home, but you have probably heard all of those arguments already. Instead I’m asking you to shop local for the quality of your personal experience and the good feelings which come from know that you are supporting those who support your whole area. Shopping local and shopping small isn’t only for Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, it is great to do all year long. Thank you for considering making your local businesses a priority this year.
John Horner is the president and CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.
