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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: How to 'Put Your Money Where Your House Is'

My personal campaign to keep our independent shops in business.

The economy has spurred a campaign from our local with the slogan, "Put your money where your house is". While this is a great idea, there is another deeper action that is required: A paradigm shift to shopping with an independent purveyor rather than the big box.

For most Monrovians this will be a big idea. We have the best of both worlds. Our is full of independently owned businesses that have built up a following here in town as well as within the San Gabriel Valley. We also have just enough "big box" stores to make our lives convenient. 

The 3/50 Project has taken our Chamber's concept to the next level.  The original idea was to pick three independent stores a week, spend 50 dollars in each and make a real difference in the local economy. This movement has built up national momentum and now boasts well-followed social media and a newly launched smart phone app that allows users to add their own favorite local spots.

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So the question I hope to answer is, what's the big deal?  The deal is that if you and I make the commitment to support the local stationary store, the local candy store, or the local gift shop, we keep our local economy strong. When we go to the national chain store, we put that money into the hands of no one that re-invests in our local economy.  The local shops give to the local charity, shop where you shop and live where you live. The tax dollars of the local business go back to our little , our , our schools. 

If you don't think you can make a difference, then let me tell you a story about "The Ladies Field Trip."  I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. I spent many years being part of a local church, community and economy. I still have many friends in the area. I was invited to participate in a women's group over the summer.  I drove every Tuesday morning for six weeks to the Valley. It was a drudge, nevertheless, the enrichment to my life of getting out of my comfort zone was priceless. I spent all day in the Valley building relationships that I have found to be a powerful part of my life as a woman. 

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These women have, for the most part, not ventured to Monrovia.  A couple didn't know much about it.  I determined that we would have a day of food, shopping and fun in my beloved adopted city.  So, on a mild day in August, the seven ladies made the trek out to my house.  We ate, shopped and took in my Monrovia.  It made such an impact on the ladies that I have been asked to schedule another day in the spring. 

What this did for my local economy was huge! I brought money to Monrovia.  Those ladies spent money.  Those local shopkeepers now know who I am and remember when I walk in their door. They remember that day and ask how those ladies are doing.  It is the beginning of building up a rapport with my circle of influence that has begun to teach them how to spend locally. It is my goal to keep my favorite stores in business. I may not be financially able to do this on my own, but I can sure influence others to join the cause.

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