Why Local? Why Me?

The Reno Balloon Races is just ONE of the many incredible events the area has to offer

The health of the economy is a huge issue in current events. We are constantly being told that action needs to be taken to heal the country instead of just waiting for the government to fix it all.  One tip many have heard is that we should be supporting local economies more. After all, small business is sexy again; it is risky, personal, and creative.

     I think this tip is a big part of living locally, but I know there is more to it than just that. Getting the nation’s economy back is important, but what about the other aspects of living locally? What about the emotional and personal effects of having a solid presence in your community? Can spending a little more money in your neighborhood actually add value to your life?

     Living locally helps you become part of the community you belong to. I have met so many people who have negative things to say about Reno, and it makes me very frustrated. If things are really that bad, why aren’t you working to better them in some way? Many people compare Reno to their hometown, but like many places, this city can’t be compared to others. The difference is that these people had deeper connections to their hometown communities. What if these detractors could find a place that felt like home in Reno? What if they met the right people, went to the right shows, ate at the right restaurants? Would their negative comments evolve into a new-found respect for the Reno area? I believe so and I am on a mission to prove it.

Here is a slightly silly, yet fairly accurate equation to make my point more clear:

ROI = (Gain from Investment – Cost of Investment) / Cost of Investment

Locally Living ROI = (Community connectedness, new friends, better quality goods, repaired economy –  slightly more than average amounts of money spent on goods produced, created, offered locally) / Spending slightly more than average amounts of money spent on goods produced, created, offered locally)

OR

Big, Cheap, Easy ROI = (Instant gratification – Less than average amount of money spend on goods that aren’t as high quality or have much effect on the local economy) / Less than average amount of money spend on goods that aren’t as high quality or have much effect on the local economy

I think I’ll go with the Locally Living ROI, what about you?

I will be posting  regularly for readers to get more insight regarding local activity and help to grow deeper in the community, but for right now take a look a these tips and justifications for supporting local business and lifestyles!