Examining the Impact of Local Business on the West Michigan Economy

 Shopping at locally owned businesses is one of the most philanthropic acts you can do. At local businesses, a dollar spent there stays in the economy and circulates in the community you live in. With your support, small business are building stronger, stablier communities while creating more jobs. We are truly thankful to you for supporting us and other local businesses. We also want to let you know how you contributing, because it's quite impactful. You should feel good about where your money is going.An economic study of the Grand Rapids, MI area concluded that just a 10% increase in local spending to local business would produce:

• 1614 new Jobs
• 53.3 million in additional wages
• 137.3 million in additional economic output

In other words, "if every family spent just $10 a month with a locally owned independent business (instead of a national chain store) over 9.3 million would be directly returned to a local economy. That means better schools, more jobs, better roads, more support for police, fire and rescue departments and stronger economies" (Independent We Stand). Remember it's the small things that make a difference. As your family owned and locally operated business, we are proud members of our communities thanks to you!Source: Mans Lumber & Millwork 3/29/13, The Monthly man O Gram