Voices from the Valley: Buying locally an investment in Porterville
By PETE MCCRACKEN
2009-07-16 18:54:40 in the Porterville Recorder

As we continue to struggle with the economic downturn, the city asked the question of "how do we protect our local economy?" the answer is to promote buying goods and services locally, whenever possible. The Shop Porterville First campaign was approved by the City Council, and a partnership to promote shopping locally was formed with the Porterville Chamber of Commerce.

Many cities throughout the Valley are undertaking a "shop local" campaign to educate the public about  the effects of out-of-town spending. The city acknowledges that there are certain goods and services not available locally; but many times when traveling out of the area to purchase an item, the shopper will also purchase items that can be bought right here in Porterville. Why is this an issue? Here are a few reasons:

--A portion of all sales tax collected is returned to the city to fund police and fire protection, parks, libraries and street maintenance. The more sales tax revenue that the city loses by shoppers leaving town, the less revenue there is available to operate these services.

--Local businesses invest in the area. Local businesses donate to a variety of organizations and activities in Porterville. School bands, sports organizations and community activities all depend upon support from the community.

--Local businesses create jobs. The unemployment rate in the city is 13.1 percent, and in Tulare County, the rate is 14.3 percent (based on the May 2009 EDD Labor Market Information). When local businesses hire local people, all sectors benefit - from food and housing to retail and manufacturing.

--Frequenting a local shop will allow the business to learn about your wants and needs. When you know the sales clerk or owner by name, you are more likely to be able to ask if they can get your favorite item for you. Most likely, if you want a particular brand, flavor, color, etc., there are several others that would also like to have that same item.

--Traveling out of town to purchase goods and services adds to the cost of these items. For example, a three-pack of white cotton T-shirts purchased in town costs approximately $9.99. The same T-shirts purchased in Visalia will cost the same in the store, but when you add the cost of gas and wear on your vehicle, the cost is now $43. This additional cost is based on the Internal Revenue Service standard mileage rate for travel to and from Visalia. Is it really worth a trip to Visalia to buy these T-shirts when they go on sale - spending  $38 in travel to save a few dollars?

The sales tax generated in Porterville has declined over the past year. Much of the decline can be attributed to the crunch that most of us feel in our pocketbooks; but there is a "leakage" to other cities for goods and services that can be bought right in here in Porterville.

Support your neighbor, support your schools, parks, safety personnel, and support your city  - Shop Porterville First!

--Pete McCracken is the Mayor of Porterville.

http://www.recorderonline.com/opinion/struggle-42263-economic-asked.html