My husband asked me the other day when Valentine’s Day was, so if you’re thinking the same thing, here is your reminder. A week from today, Feb.14, we will be celebrating the second most celebrated holiday around the world, second only to New Year’s Day. It is a holiday where, according to the Greeting Card Association, 25 percent of all cards sent are Valentines. Whatever your plans are this Valentine’s holiday, we encourage you to “Buy Local First” for all of your holiday needs.

The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce tries our best to educate and create a movement throughout Sampson County on the importance of buying local first. We emphasize and discuss this program throughout the holidays and made a suggestion for your New Year’s Resolution. Although we discuss the program more at certain times of the year, the economic impact of our spending habits impact us year-round.

When we support the local businesses, by shopping, dining, and doing business locally, we support the success of these businesses by keeping dollars in the local economy. With every $100 spent at a local business, $73 remains in the local economy. Within the local economy, our money is re-circulated over and over, creating up to 75 percent more tax revenue for our community and state. Locally owned businesses also create more jobs and wages in our community.

I challenge you to shop local for all your Valentine’s gifts and dine local for your special Valentine’s date. Give us a call at the Chamber Office, 592-6177 or visit our Chamber Directory at www.clintonsampsonchamber.org, we are happy to refer you to a local store that can assist with your shopping needs.

Together, we can create the buy local first movement. Together, we can create an economic impact. Together, we can make a difference.