My thoughts on supporting local businesses…

I’ve lived here in Jefferson County my entire life. Some of my favorite childhood memories include buying comic books at the Perry and Dunbar Drugstore and Soda Fountain, getting my boy scout uniforms at Knoble Bird, and the Ohio Theater – all in downtown Madison.

I remember when the Ohio Theater used to be an event for the Saturday matinee – multiple showings and even raffling off bicycles before the show. Times have changed, and it may be inevitable to some degree. Sadly, some local businesses I grew up with have not weathered the change.

Over the years, I have traveled for work to other countries in Europe and Asia. One thing about Europe that struck me is how the small neighborhood shops continue to thrive. It became a topic of conversation once while in Germany and the idea has stayed with me ever since.

When I remarked how interesting it was to me that many Germans still buy shirts and other goods at their local stores instead of big chain establishments, I was told that the people have a deep understanding that they have choices but also a responsibility to support the small local shops. In doing so, they contribute to the economic vitality of their community. Beyond the community, they buy products produced in the region, and from their country as much as possible over products imported from other countries.

Ironically, this same individual said he hoped that Americans would recognize that making products in the USA was the characteristic that made our country strong, and would need to be sustained in order to keep it strong. He feared the day that Americans would become ambivalent about making and producing things. He grew up in a country that a strong USA helped recover from disaster and he was grateful. It is hard to hear this and not be moved or persuaded not to consider his point of view. It seemed that at least in some places, small local businesses could thrive and stave off large corporate competition – if well-supported within their community.

I cannot cast stones as I frequently shop large stores and online. The rationale includes selection, convenience, and prices. When I began to explore how I wanted to move my hobby into a business, it wasn’t a large leap for me to recognize that there was a relationship between me choosing to focus on the local region for photography and the desire to complement local business.

Where there is a local option, birdsofjeffersoncounty.com will promote it.

Here is what I can say relating to the current state:

For canvas and metal prints, no local option exists that I am aware of at this time. I am excluding options which are offered through large retail chains that have a presence in the community.  While it might be better to utilize these over an outside vendor due to the local presence, I have found that the quality of the product does not meet my requirements. I would be happy to give advice to anyone on where to get canvas or metal prints for any images whether related or not to my offerings. Just ask.

For other products, I hope to work with local companies to offer some birdsofjeffersoncounty.com products. Stay tuned for developments on this aspect. Much will depend on the interest level for these kind of products. This is one area that sharing and following the social media sites will help me become more established. The photo to sketch conversions may have appeal in this category as well because the images are more suited to paper products and apparel. My image is to approach this as an agreement to use images on a commission or license basis. Local vendors with brick and mortar presence seem to be the best option from my point of view.

Digital signage/displays is new. Small digital frames have been around for years, but there has been an expansion in the last two years by major players like Meural and Samsung to offer displays that are designed to replace traditional wall prints and artwork, and do so aesthetically with wood frames. This development is a very good idea for businesses to consider, because the flexibility and potential for adding value to your business is off the charts. I’ll cover this in more detail on the website and in the blog in the future.

I have considered other local potential opportunities which may come later. We shall see what happens.

Thank you