Note: This column appears in the December 2022 edition of Great Seal Living.

I saw a great column the other day on Yahoo entitled "Why Your Local Running Store Matters." It was an excellent treatise on why it's essential to buy running shoes and gear at a local store instead of online or going to another city.

My best running days are behind me, but I resonated with everything in the article.

"Shop Local" is a big deal these days, as the events of the past few years have taught everyday consumers the importance of the local economy.

But we've adopted "Think Local" at the Chamber, and here's why: There is so much more than just shopping or eating to think about when you are investing your money.

Donating to charities, causes, churches, and more is vital because those donations stay here, helping the people who live near us daily. We all enjoy a trip to the major league stadium near us, but a season ticket package to the local high school or the Chillicothe Paints carries more weight than that trip to the big city.

The latest off-Broadway show in a fancy theatre is a fabulous indulgence on occasion. Still, investing in a local civic theater group (or school production) may help a local youngster get on stage for the first time.

Letting someone know they can stay at a local hotel or alternate stay location feeds the local economy.

Look, there are some things you can't buy locally, and by all means, head online and purchase them. Maybe you can find what you want in a local Etsy or boutique online store that is someone's side hustle. Perhaps you can find it at a small business in southeast Ohio?

When you shop, eat, and drink locally, you're supporting your friends and neighbors - the folks who sponsor the sports teams your children play on and donate to fundamental causes.

Here are a few good reasons why your dollars should be staying local:

• When you shop in Ross County, you build relationships within the community. Honestly, there's a great feeling that comes along with supporting your friends and neighbors.
• When you buy from a local business, you know where those products come from and the people behind them. Goods and services sourced locally are traditionally one of a kind and carry a unique story, too. When you buy those products, you help to bring that story forward. In essence, you help tell the story to a new audience.
• You unify the community when you buy local products. You help grow the hopes and dreams of friends and neighbors. Not only for their businesses but their families. You support their children as they attend college, build technical skills, or chase lofty goals.
• Local spending means those dollars stay here and help invest in the people of Ross County.
• Regular customers are the lifeblood of small businesses. Nearly every Friday, I eat the same breakfast (bacon, eggs over easy, wheat toast, and black coffee) at the same place with the same waitress. I know her, and she knows me. We talk about her family and mine and how things are going. I learn a lot at those breakfasts.
• When you donate to local charities, you control where it goes - for the most part. It's much better than sending money to a far-off address where you don't know how it will be spent. United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the YMCA have affiliations with national organizations, but the local dollars donated mostly stay to help people.

And, when you "think local," don't keep it to yourself. Recommend and share your experience, so others build knowledge. The power of personal recommendations carries so much weight.

After the past few years, small businesses, local non-profits, and causes are grateful for how the community has sustained them. That's a trend we want to see extended for years to come.

Mike Throne is president and CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce and the co-host, with Marty Ford, of the Feels Like Home local podcast, which can be found on most podcast services. Interact with him at mthrone@chillicotheohio.com.