Judi McNally had operated a small copy business on Main street for 25 years. On June 1st of this year she closed the doors. It was a tough decision to make, but the right one for her. Ms. McNally decided it would be best to close down the retail end of the business, and continue working directly with her business accounts. Her business had allowed her to get involved in small business promotion through print solutions, and that is where her passion was - so that is where she chose to focus. After taking some time to herself, Ms. McNally began to go out and visit with small businesses to find out what their needs were. Through those conversations, she decided to print two different publications that would act as targeted marketing tools for the area restaurants and the small business person. Something else happened though while Ms. McNally was visiting with friends, neighbors, family members, and aquaintences that had small businesses. They had conversations about the local economy. That is when Ms. McNally decided that she could make a difference. The entreprenuerial spirit in our area is strong and Ms. McNally believes it is time that we get more determined than ever, get more creative, and educate our community. So she became a participant in a project that she loves, and would invite all small business owners to do the same. Gift and home industry consultant Cindy Baxter has recently launched the 3/50 project. If you haven't heard of this movement you will. The 3/50 project aims to strengthen the brick and mortar businesses that made this country what it is, while saving the local economy at the same time. It works like this: PICK 3 LOCAL BUSINESSES that you would miss if they were gone. Stop by, say hell and pick something up that will make someone smile. Your purchases are what keeps them in business. IF HALF OF THE EMPLOYED POPULATION spent $50 at three different independently owned stores each month it would generate more that $42.6 billion in revenue. For every $100.00 spent with locally owned businesses, $68.00 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expendetures. If you spend that in a national chain only $43.00 stays here. And if you spend it online, nothing comes home. It's easy, pick 3, spend 50, save your local economy. Not only is Ms. McNally promoting the 3/50 project in her current issue of Whats On The Menu dining guide, it will be the theme for the up coming issue of Shop Local, a magazine designed to connect local residents with local businesses. Ms. McNally wants to urge everyone to go to her website, www.areamenuguide.com, and follow the link to the 3/50 project to learn more Additionally, she wants to jump start the project and declare Saturday September 12th - SHOP LOCAL DAY. Let's all get out and visit our favorite locally owned shop and go out for a bite to eat at one of our area restaurants. It's time that we take control, make a positive change, and feel good that we have made a difference in our community!