Wow, 2020 was a tough one to swallow. Political battle royale, the pledge thing, the shutdowns…please 2021, take me back to normal!
One of our main commitments here at 573 Magazine is the benefit of our local communities. We do so by pointing out the best the area has to offer. Of course, we spotlight interesting local people and places, but more importantly, we spotlight local small businesses. Sure, there are chambers of commerce tasked with that mission as well. Some chambers are geared towards helping businesses thrive, while others are geared towards helping their buddies get ahead—but let’s not get off on a tangent. The 573 is a positive publication!
Spending your dollars at nearby small businesses instead of large corporations benefits local communities and you, the resident.
Without the support of small businesses and local city governments like Cape Girardeau, Ste. Genevieve, Perryville, and Festus, 573 Magazine would not exist. And when the economy hits hard and our local businesses suffer, we are the first to hear about it. Since 2008, we have laughed, loved, and suffered with small business owners. We understand the great benefits small businesses provide to us, the people on the street.
We caught up with a few local movers and shakers (small business owners) to get the down-low on why it's important to use small businesses. There is much more to consider other than just trying to be nice.
"At First State Community Bank, it’s simply our way of doing business. We fully support small businesses and the people who live in our community. It’s this line of thinking that has given us a prosperous and rewarding life in a small town." Matt Sebastian - President FSCB
Spending your dollars at nearby small businesses instead of large corporations benefits local communities and you, the resident. While Amazon and Facebook advertising are certainly convenient, consider where your money ends up when you patronize these big companies. Not only do you take money away from local business owners, you take that money outside the area. This means fewer tax dollars collected for roads, the police force, the fire department, parks, utilities, and city and county governments. If we continue prioritizing large corporations like Amazon over local establishments, small business owners will be unable to feed their families. They won’t be able to hire employees or sponsor local events and organizations. You won’t see Amazon or Facebook sponsoring local cheerleaders, junior soccer teams, animal rescue efforts, blood drives, or Feed the Hungry—the list goes on and on…and on…and on…
While Amazon and Facebook advertising are certainly convenient, consider where your money ends up when you patronize these big companies. Not only do you take money away from local business owners, you take that money outside the area. This means fewer tax dollars collected for roads, the police force, the fire department, parks, utilities, and city and county governments.
If you still need some convincing, take a look at what small businesses do for our communities. In fact, look no further than the 573 Magazine. We give local residents jobs, and we hire freelancers. We contribute to local sports teams, events, and charities. Our favorite contributions are the 573 Film Festival, the 573 Chalk Festival, and the 573 Mud Festival—all 100% free to attend. Yet, we couldn’t accomplish any of this without support from local towns and small businesses. 573 Magazine and its community outreach would not exist without you, local businesses, and municipal governments. I think you get the point I’m making.
573 Magazine is particularly indebted to First State Community Bank, a small business that stands above the rest. Throughout the years, they have happily supported every 573 Magazine event without hesitation. The president of First State Community Bank, Matt Sebastian, makes it a priority to support local events, sports teams, and charities. Beyond providing financial services to the local community, they contribute to individual events and efforts in so many ways.
We give local residents jobs, and we hire freelancers. We contribute to local sports teams, events, and charities. Our favorite contributions are the 573 Film Festival, the 573 Chalk Festival, and the 573 Mud Festival—all 100% free to attend.
"Minuteman Press supports many sports teams, local charities, and events. We think it’s so important to give back to the community that gives to us." Carla Wilson - Owner
When we first moved to the area, I was unaware of the importance of small town banking. Twenty years ago, I would have laughed in your face if you told me to use a small town banking system. I mean, what could they possibly do for me? I quickly realized that unlike large banking systems, small town banks still consider the individual. One of our first contacts in the area was Matt Sebastian at the Farmington First State Community Bank. Since then, he has been the biggest supporter of our small businesses. Whether it be business loans, property loans, or car loans, First State Community Bank has unerringly supported 573 Magazine and Image Maker Marketing. We will always be their customers, and we will always be on their side. This sort of loyalty and support is unique to small town banking, though I can’t say the same about the big banking systems we’ve used throughout the years.
"One of the most important things we do here at Salon de Charles, besides making people beautiful, is hiring people and providing jobs to the community." Chuck Carron - Owner
"At Dress 2 Impress, we help people by giving them a free suit of clothes for job interviews. In interviews, confidence is key. Nice clothing helps build that confidence!" Jessica Harmon - Co-Founder
"573 Magazine supports several local communities in a multitude of ways. We provide small businesses with free publicity and shine a positive light on the area. Much of 573 Magazine is geared towards increasing tourism in the area. We aim to bring tourists to the beautiful 573 to patronize local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. We like that—come here, visit our parks, leave your dollars, and then go home—some move here, some start businesses here, some tell their friends..." Denelle Smugala - Publisher
So the next time you buy an ad on Facebook, purchase something on Amazon, hire an online company to build your website, or use a megabank like Bank of America, just ask yourself what they do for our communities. Quite simply, they don’t.
Get out there and support your local small businesses!
words, pics and video - t. smugala