Letter from the Editor Supporting Local is More Than a Catchphrase While the Elbows Up fervour seems to have calmed down as we settle into our new trade reality with our largest trading partner, I think it’s vital that we not forget and continue our best practices of buying Canadian and,
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even more importantly, supporting local businesses. The benefits of shopping local aren’t just about warm fuzzies and friendlier customer service. The numbers back it up: according to a 2020 study by LOCO BC, for every $100 spent with a local business, $63 stays in the community, compared to only $14 when the same $100 is spent with a multinational corporation*. And if that doesn’t impress you, here’s another one: small businesses account for 68% of all private sector jobs in Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, 2022)**. In other words, local really does mean jobs and prosperity at home. Myself, I’m often asked where my magazines are printed, and I’m always proud to say: right here in St. Thomas at Impressions Printing. As you can imagine, printing is my most significant monthly expense, and I am thrilled to keep that money circulating in our own backyard. In just that one relationship, I see how many people in our community are employed by Impressions; the charitable contributions they make, and the ripple effect that spreads throughout St. Thomas. Supporting local shouldn’t be just a rallying cry when a trading partner decides to take their ball and go home; it should be our everyday mantra. It’s how we stay true north, strong, and free. So, I’d like to challenge each of you, dear readers: for the next few weeks, once a week, instead of heading to make a purchase at a foreign-owned national conglomerate, try checking out a local store. You might just find what you’re looking for, and more. If you buy from a local store, you might meet the store owner. If you meet the store owner, they might tell you about their weekend barbecue fundraiser. If you go to the barbecue fundraiser, you might win a raffle basket filled with more local goods. And if you enjoy those local goods, you might just become a local regular. And if you become a local regular, well, shopping local won’t be something you have to remember to do. It’ll just be second nature. And then everyone wins. Oh, and tell them Hometown St. Thomas sent you! *LOCO BC (2020), The Economic Impact of Local Businesses **Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2022), Key Small Business Statistics
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Page 2 Hometown St. Thomas • July-August 2025
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