Do Your Part To Improve Our Local Economy

The news that the Archbold municipal income tax will finish 2007 as much as $400,000 behind the 2006 total is cause for concern.

Fortunately, village leaders have followed the doctrine of conservative fiscal management, leaving village government in good financial shape. In other words, the sky is not falling.

But the tax, which is assessed against personal income and corporate profits, is a barometer of the local economy - and the forecast is glum.

While the pundits from Wall Street and Washington gloat about the health of the American economy, the picture here is not so rosy.

The closure of the Archbold ConAgra plant was averted, but other businesses have closed, and some have cut their payroll.

Now, more than ever, economic development efforts are critical. New companies must be brought to our community. Local businesses must be encouraged to expand.

Beyond that, local consumers must realize now is the time to spend your dollars at home.

It's a proven fact that when a dollar is spent locally, it bolsters the local economy. Every dollar spent at home does the work of $5; market analysts say a dollar spent in a local business will circulate five times through the local community. A dollar spent in a big city is gone forever.

Hometown businesses employ local residents, creating jobs. Local merchants financially support the interests of your children and grandchildren, opening a wide range of opportunities to them through school, organizations, and churches.

Shopping your local merchants is a way you can do your part to improve the local financial forecast.