I lived and worked in the Huntsville area since the late 1980s. I went to college at Sam Houston State University, fell in love with the area, and made it my home.
As you know, Huntsville has exploded over the last 10 years. Stores and modern conveniences are everywhere. The amenities are plentiful. You have Wal-Mart, Kroger, Target, and other big box stores. I don’t know about you, but I miss some of the mom & pop shops that once served the Huntsville area. Mr. Hamburger, McKenzie’s Bar-B-Q, Ace Hardware, Reliable Auto, Ringo Tire & Service Center, are just a few stores still around today.
As I patrol around the City of Trinity on a daily basis, this town brings back memories of how Huntsville was to me all those years ago. Small, rural, and supported by the locals. In Trinity, we have some great businesses and restaurants. We have some good mechanics, tire stops, feed stores, and restaurants locally.
I want to encourage you to support and buy locally when you can. Yes, I know sometimes these services cost you a few more dollars. But, supporting your local stores isn’t just buying from them, it strengthens our community, by boosting the local economy, and building lasting relationships.
So, why does it matter? Local businesses keep your neighborhoods vibrant, create jobs, and often reinvest profits back into the community. Studies show that for every $100 spent at a small business, about $68 stays in the local economy, compared to just $43 at chain stores. They also tend to offer personalized service, unique products, and deeper community involvement than large retailers.
When the larger retailers come to town, the local small business typically struggles to compete and often closes their doors forever. To me there is nothing like sitting at a local café, the local barbershop, the beauty salon, or feed store. We get down-home service while we keep up to date with the local gossip.
By combining everyday shopping with these actions, you help sustain the local stores, keep our community strong, and enjoy better service.
Call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is Chief of Police in Trinity.
