Support community's merchants and 'vote' to shop locally

Who do you think would enjoy your support this holiday season, local merchants or China?

Last year I received and shared an email that took up the debate about the value of our dollars buying American products versus Chinese items. I took it a step further and made the comparison about the value of shopping at home versus spending money out of the community whether it is down Highway 95 or the internet.

The response was overwhelming and can be summarized with: We want local merchants to survive and continue to support our community with jobs and helping local causes but we like the prices, selection and convenience of shopping online or out of town. Sound about right?

Every day we make choices:

• Evans Brothers Coffee, Kokanee Coffee, Monarch Mountain Coffee or a national chain?

• Larson’s, Merwin’s, Sandpoint Super Drug and others versus multinational corporations?

• Vanderford’s, Corner Book Store versus the internet?

• Local professionals (CPAs, doctors, hospital, vets, dentists, etc.) versus “The Big City.”

• Local newspaper, the Daily Bee versus …. OK bad example, there is no real comparison here for local news, views, ads and sports coverage.

Couldn’t resist, columnist’s liberty.

There are many opportunities to decide where to spend our money every day. Money is like a vote.

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Birth of a new tradition

“As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands.

Yes, there is!

It’s time to think outside the box.

Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE — gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint?

Remember, folks this isn’t about big national chains — this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or going to the Panida?

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another 10,000 Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, newspaper carrier, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

This is the new American Christmas tradition.”

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What do you think? Is this the year you help your friends and neighbors make it through a tough economic times by thinking outside of the box? Even though the column mentions China, I think China could be replaced by any country that exploits cheaper labor or manipulates its currency to drive down expenses.

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If you have local suggestions for gifts and services, please drop me an email at dkeyes@bonnercountydailybee.com or find me on Facebook.