Letter: Shopping Locally Encourages Community Growth   Dear Editor, Alleghany Journal: As a local business owner, I know it’s sometimes easy to forget about all the wonderful things Clifton Forge businesses have to offer. Sure, mega-stores and the Internet make shopping more convenient, but they lack the personal care that makes each local business so unique. It is local businesses that give the town of Clifton Forge so much character. By shopping local, we encourage our community to grow, strengthen and become more active. Here are 5 reasons to start thinking locally this Mother’s Day: 1. Better Experience – Customer service is key; local businesses know it’s what keeps our customers coming back. We know our customers and their needs. 2. Better Products – Local business owners know the ins and outs of our products and strive to keep our customers happy. Offering great products and services is the best way to do so. 3. Town Character - Clifton Forge is unlike any other town in the world. By choosing to support locally owned businesses, you help maintain our diversity and distinctive flavor. 4. Community Strength - Not only do we work here, we live here. Local business owners invest more than just dollars into their community. 5. Local Boost - Local businesses create jobs and tend to support other local businesses. When you buy locally, more money is kept in the community. So, when you’re shopping this Mother’s Day, think local! At Country Garden Florist for example, we take the time to learn about your Mom in order to create something especially perfect for her. By using only the freshest and best quality flowers, we do our very best to make sure Mom enjoys long-lasting blooms. She will fall in love with her special gift and you can feel good for doing your part to help our community. Try your best to buy locally at least once a month, then a week and who knows, you might be a locavore before you know it! Country Garden Florist has been a part of the Alleghany Highlands community for 35 years. You can contact Mary and her staff at 862-4143 or visit them at 501 E. Ridgeway St., Clifton Forge. Mary Cantrell Clifton Forge. (Editor's note: Mary your piece is openly commercial, but ya know what? That's really fine with me. Your promotion of the concept of local business is right on target. I'm happy to accept your letter. The town and other localities benefit a great deal, via both more employment and via sales taxes, when folks shop locally. We need more positive outlooks like yours published. This is just the place to do it. I hope others accept your good logic. In so doing, prosperity for our home town may be enhanced.)

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