In an effort to help jumpstart the economy, The Times is sponsoring “Spend 20 on the 20th.”

As part of this campaign, Marengo County residents are asked to spend $20 on Saturday, June 20, to see how much revenue can come into the county and how it will affect the county’s economy. A list of participating advertisers is included on Page A7 inside this edition.

“We think it’s important for residents to understand how we can each do something to support our local businesses,” said Jason Cannon, Times publisher. “Small steps for each of us, simply spending $20 on one day, can add up to a big boost for our local merchants. And that’s what we want to do.”

The Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce is on board with The Times.

“The Chamber encourages everyone to get on board with ‘Spend 20 on the 20th,’” said Chamber director Kelley Smith. “This is a fantastic idea. And what a great, inexpensive way for all of us to give the economy in Marengo County a boost.”

According to Smith, there are studies that follow a dollar in communities to show how it is spent.

“You go to the hardware store and buy a light bulb for a dollar,” Smith said.

“The owner of the locally-owned hardware store takes that dollar and buys supplies from the local office supply store. So, if you think about how the dollars that you spend are used within your own community, it makes even more sense to spend that $20 here.”

Marengo County offers a wide variety of products and services for its residents, and Smith said she thinks businesses always appreciate local business.

“I think that all of our local businesses appreciate any business at any time, great times and not-so-great times,” Smith said. “We have such a wide diversity of products that are offered right here in Marengo County. Everyone needs to go out to our local businesses, check out what they have to offer and shop with them. I think everyone will be very happy with what they find.”

Smith said if all residents would spend money at home first, it would help local merchants.

“The positives are endless when people stay at home, shop at home and support local business,” Smith said.

“We have all heard it over and over — tax base, education infrastructure — it just makes sense that we all buy what we can in our own community.”