Local businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. They keep the Demopolis engine running.

Their sales and the taxes they generate help pave roads, buy textbooks and keep a solid infrastructure in place.

It may not seem like much, but spending just a few more dollars locally could have a major impact.

We are encouraging each person over the age of 19 to spend $20 at a county-owned business on Saturday, June 20.

Studies show that if that were to happen, revenue could rise by as much as 60 percent for that particular day.

It is an effort to stimulate our local economy and just one small thing that we, in conjunction with local businesses, are trying to do to help. Local merchants are offering sales and specials on that day to show their support for this campaign. You will find those specials on Page A7 of this edition.

With your support, we would like to stress the importance of shopping at home. Not only will it go a long way in providing revenue for business owners, local municipalities and the county, but it could also provide a morale boost for local businesses.

We hope each of you will use the specials listed in this edition as a road map to stimulate the local economy and we hope to see you all out in force this Saturday.