To listen to Sara Topp on Spectrum:

Small Businesses are the lifeline of our community

    These are the businesses that sponsor fund raisers, little league teams, school events, and tons of other local causes

    They are asked daily for donations

    It is important to support them back by shopping local when we can

- Not only can consumers support local businesses, but other local businesses can support one another

    In many instances, the needs of our local businesses can be met by locally owned businesses that are right in our back yard

    Printing, marketing, advertising, and even employee incentives such as gift certificates to stores or restaurants all help local business stay in business

-Southwestern Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce practices what it preaches in this regard. Whenever possible, the chamber uses its members to fill needs for events

- That is one benefit of being in a Chamber like SWAC

    Other benefits include things like networking locally, pooling resources to save time and money on projects, SOCCA (insurance through chamber), and group advertising

    SWAC utilizes several forms of local advertising including WCSM family of stations to promote its members and events

-SWAC runs several events to help promote local business as well. Business open houses, ribbon cuttings, after hour events, awards banquet, state of the villages, and the Holiday Shop Hop are all examples of these

During Small Business Week, make it a point to get to know what businesses in your area offer and how you might be able to support them.

If you own a business, consider joining the Chamber and join forces with out local businesses to keep our local economy strong

Listen to the Chambers weekly reports on WCSM to see what is going on and attend events that support local businesses.

You can also check out SWAC on Facebook or visit our website Auglaize.org

The chamber office is ready to help as well. Just stop in or call.