Do you enjoy the locally owned restaurants that have their own special character, where the owners and servers know your name. Then make sure you dine at those places. Do you like the service and merchandise you get at the family owned stores and shops in our area? How about your neighbors who provide you with quality services like accountants, roofers, mechanics, etc? Then give them your business. the Print Broker, publisher of Whats On The Menu Magazine, wants to encourage everyone in the community to join together and support our locally owned businesses. All of those area restaurants you love, you need to take your family, friends, or business associates to today. The family owned stores, shops and service providers need you to shop and utilize their services. The entreprenuerial spirit in our area is strong and I believe that sometimes we just need to be reminded of why it is so important that we keep our money locally, especially during these tough economic times. That is why the Print Broker is a proud member of 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 business 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 hello 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 $42.96 billion in revenue. For every $100 spent with locally owned businesses, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain only $43 stays he5re. And if you spend it online, nothing comes home. It's easy, pick 3, spend 50, save your local economy. I would encourage you to go to our website, www.joplinprintbroker.com where there is a link to learn more about the 3/50 project. Lets jump start our local efforts. On Saturday, September 12, let's all go out and shop local. Go out, visit your favorite shoop and go out for a bite to eat at one of our restaurants. It's time we take control, make a positive change, and feel good that we have made a difference in our community!