In the coming days the Demopolis Times will roll out a series of local ads highlighting the importance of shopping locally.

I’ve heard it before: “There’s nothing in Demopolis.”

Herds of shoppers and diners head north or west each Friday and Saturday because they can’t find what they need here.

I challenge that assumption. Between our downtown Demopolis shops and restaurants, the businesses located along Highway 80 and what lines the streets of Linden, I believe most things – outside highly-specialized items – can be found right here in Marengo County.

We have more than our fair share of unique specialty shops, and – believe it or not – people from outside our county travel here just to shop there. We take them for granted and often drive 40 miles away to buy the same thing and pay more for it.

For every dollar a county resident spends outside our county, that’s tax dollars we won’t benefit from.

Shopping locally makes sense for you, our local merchants and our economy. One dollar spent locally turns over three times within the local community, making an even greater impact right here at home. Shopping locally saves time and money for you and helps support the businesses in our community that employ our friends and neighbors, support our schools and fuel our economy.

For more than 120 years readers and advertisers have turned to the pages of the Demopolis Times in search of good news and good deals.

As this campaign rolls out next week, we hope to repay some of that loyalty with reminders that trading with our friends and neighbors is fast, friendly and good for the local economy.

The taxes paid on goods and services in our community are put to work immediately, making a difference right here at home. Whether it is a quick trip to the grocery store or a major purchase, your taxes provide money for local services – from law enforcement and firefighters to schools, roads and other services. Please keep in mind that you can make a difference each time you reach for your wallet by spending money locally.

I hope you look locally first when you set out to spend money. Our community and its future will thank you for it.

Jason Cannon is editor and publisher of the Demopolis Times.