Susan Miller: Consider the sweet rewards of buying local

Columns

Related Photos

Susan Miller, columnist for THB. John P. Cleary

Discussion

July 28, 2010

By Susan Miller For The Herald Bulletin The Herald Bulletin Wed Jul 28, 2010, 08:28 PM EDT

ANDERSON, Ind. — I recently saw a familiar face appear on my TV screen. Anderson entrepreneur Judy Zinszer was on Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick. Since the program isn’t a cooking show, I was intrigued. Was that a cookbook she was holding? Was she starting a publishing business?

Turns out the cookbook was given to her by a group of Middle Eastern women who shared recipes that her bakery is adapting. But the secret ingredient Judy was really talking about was the power of buying locally. She expressed concern that some people think a product is better if it is made somewhere else. Judy encouraged viewers to “buy Indiana.”

The local movement has become very popular in the food community, as evidenced by a surge in farmers markets. But one only has to look at the dearth of independent stores around town to see that such businesses are novelties in the retail arena.

While I enjoy visiting non-chain stores for the atmosphere, the perks these businesses offer extend beyond window dressing and can impact the economy. For example, I want to buy a Vera Bradley bag as a gift. I could go to the Vera Bradley boutique located at Clay Terrace in Carmel, or, I could select a Vera Bradley bag from Moneyhun’s in Anderson.

A portion of the bag’s price will benefit Hamilton or Madison County’s tax base. But a small portion of the price will also help support the ad that ran in the local paper, and the wages of the store’s cashier. If I buy the bag at Moneyhun’s, isn’t the cashier likely to spend some of her check at a local business, keeping money in the community?

Chamber of Commerce for Anderson and Madison County President Kyle Morey notes that local businesses are uniquely positioned to deliver something chain stores can’t – personal, consultative service. Ever tried to get the expert opinion of the president of Home Depot? Local businesses offer service that is hard to access in chain stores.

Sometimes you can’t buy local. I’m embarrassed that Anderson no longer has a large bookstore. At least when I purchase from an Exit 10 bookstore versus online, I know that I’m investing some dollars in Indiana versus buying from Amazon.com.

The tendency to “shop distant” even applies to professional services. A joke in the advertising industry goes: “What’s the easiest way to become an expert? Get on a plane.” There is something about being an outsider that creates an element of “expertise” in others’ eyes.

Finally, there is peace of mind that comes with knowing where the products you buy are manufactured. Consider recent stories regarding lead in household products. While you might pay more for a locally made item, there is comfort in knowing that the products are safe and weren’t manufactured in inhumane sweat shops.

I’m a big believer in free enterprise and letting customers, not laws, drive the marketplace. However, buying local seems like a sweet idea — particularly if it’s a cookie.

Susan Miller is owner of Ewing Miller Communications. Her column appears in the Herald Bulletin on Thursdays. Write to her at susan@ewingmiller.com.

Text Only

Columns

Brian Howey: Automotive factor explains why Obama opens Indiana office
On Thursday, the Obama for America campaign opened up an office in Indiana, a state with a century-old love affair with the internal combustion engine.

February 11, 2012
Maleah Stringer: Be truthful when filling out an application to adopt a pet
Animal shelters, humane societies and animal rescue groups across the country use adoption applications to screen applicants.

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
Jim Bailey: Plenty of sports celebrities have spoken in Anderson
Those who like to hear about their favorite sports from the horse’s mouth have had plenty of opportunities over the years in Anderson.

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
Howard Hewitt: Ivo Nardi of Italy leading organic push
Much of Europe is way ahead of the United States when it comes to the demand and supply of organic products.

February 11, 2012
Don McAllister: Dovetailing on a great column with a word on encouragement
Every day starts a new story, and this one tips its hat to a great column that recently appeared in The Herald Bulletin by Jesse Wilkerson where he emphasized the value of choosing one’s words.

February 11, 2012 1 Photo
Verna Davis: Jesus' love deserving, and it's not too late to send a Valentine
This year I wish I had sent God a Valentine. I wish I had told that I love him more now than ever. I wish I had remembered to thank him for first loving me.

February 10, 2012 1 Photo
Amish Cook: Trip to replace broken stove allows for family visit
We were glad for the warmer weather last week. Our house didn’t have heat from Wednesday until Saturday morning because the glass on our Hitzer coal stove broke.

February 8, 2012
Susan Miller: Minds made better thanks to lists
Not all lists are created equal. Indeed, there is an art and a science to list crafting.

February 8, 2012 1 Photo
Primus Mootry: Challenge for black leaders in 21st century? Lessons of past
The black experience in America can roughly be divided into five main periods including the slave trade and slavery itself; emancipation (or the end of slavery) and Reconstruction; the Jim Crow era; the Great Migration; and the civil rights era.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
Jim Bailey: Kids play basketball, but some adults prefer basketbrawl
We’ve heard all too much about the failings of today’s youth. Methinks the blame in most cases is misplaced. Like father like son? Perhaps, which reinforces my point.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
More Columns Headlines

Columns

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Susan Miller: Consider the sweet rewards of buying local

Has Anderson Mayor Kevin Smith gone too far in firing city department heads?

Site Map

Contact Us