• Thought for month
• President's Message: Tourism
• Corporate Sponsor: First & Farmers National Bank
• Welcome new members
• June 2011 Calendar of Events
• Editorial of the Month: Buy locally

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch you character; it becomes your destiny.

1. Individuals, community groups, and businesses can show strangers how friendly this community can be. A smile, a wave, a cheery "Hello" or "Can I help you find something" can go a long way to making someone feel welcome.


2. We can make store fronts and properties along the streets and roads leading into Columbia attractive and inviting. First impressions are important. If the outside looks dirty or overgrown with weeds it can give the impression people don't take pride in their business or community. It doesn't take a major investment - pick up papers and trash on the property, keep grass cut and trees and shrubs trimmed, and windows and doors celan and free of clutter. That's one reason the recently completed PRIDE clean-up days are so helpful.


3. We can promote locally made or produced goods and products. Work with local artists and artisans to display their work in your place of business. When out-of-towners visit the artists and artisans they can refer their customers to your business so they cans see more of the work done locally.


4. Promote your business in places where people not familiar with the area will naturally go to look - newspapers, columbiamagazine.com, the Chamber of Commerce website, on placemats in restaurants, outdoor signs, etc. Advertising isn't just for hotels and restaurants. Cars break down and need servicing, vacationers forget to bring things they need, the weather changes and they need different clothes, business can't wait and they may need some legal or financial help to complete a transaction. Adapt your advertising in the spring and summer to attract tourists.


5. These are just a few simple ideas that could help bring more visitors into our community. Maybe you have other ideas you'd like to share. If so, we'd like to hear from you. Call, e-mail, or write to the Chamber office so we can share your idea with others. In next month's newsletter we'll look at simple projects we might promote to attract more tourists to Columbia and Adair County.

1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops and businesses in our town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.


2. Local independent shops & businesses invest more in your communities. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial contribution to mine and your community.


3. Local businesses and shops sell great products at affordable prices. Some people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products available.


4. Shopping locally saves you time and money. You travel less, and save on time and fuel.


5. Shopping locally retains your communities. People don't like losing shops and services in small towns but don't equate this with how they spend their money.


6. Shopping locally retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet changing population needs.


7. Shopping locally saves the environment. Local businesses often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods that do not require long-distant transportation, helping to reduce our global footprint.


8. Local businesses are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops and businesses easily.


9. Local businesses value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.


10. Shopping locally saves services. Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants and other businesses.