While openings of a major department store or a branch of a big-box chain are often welcomed by shoppers and communities, they are also the cause of some concern. Small local businesses face greater competition, yet those small businesses are an outsized engine of economic growth. Additionally, they are important distinguishing features in local communities. That’s why today is Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. There are about 27.1 million business firms in the U.S., but over 21 million of them are without paid employees. The census will contact some 1.75 million enterprises starting in a few months as part of the periodic survey of business owners, a large percentage of them in the “mom and pop” category. Profile America is in its 16th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Alas, American consumers have abandoned their local merchants, for most purposes. Those who do elect to support their local businesses are often chastized for ‘over paying’ for merchandize…”Oh, go to Raleigh or Durham or even Craig’s List”. Though I understand the possible monetary savings, I also understand that without local support, our home-grown businesses cannot exist. We have become a nation of consumers, not producers. I gladly pay a few dollars more, or not, to ensure that the jobs attached to our local businesses afford the owners and employees an income. I could not count on Craig’s List to back up my purchase with either service or a friendly face. Faces, smiles, friendly service and conversation are worth a lot. Knowing you are helping an American dream and tradition is priceless.