Coshocton program urges residents to shop local

As summer arrives in Coshocton, many of us are looking forward to spending more time out and about attending community events, enjoying the outdoors and supporting the businesses that make our community unique.

While shopping locally may seem like a simple choice, the impact of that decision reaches much further than most people realize.

When you purchase a cup of coffee, buy a gift, schedule a haircut or enjoy a meal at a locally owned business, you're doing more than making a transaction. You're helping support local jobs, local families and local entrepreneurs who have chosen to invest their time, energy and resources right here in Coshocton County.

More importantly, the ripple effect of shopping local extends throughout our entire community. The dollars spent at local businesses help business owners maintain and improve their storefronts, hire employees, purchase goods and services from other local businesses, and contribute to local charities, schools and community organizations. Those same dollars help generate tax revenue, which supports public services, infrastructure and community amenities that benefit all of us.

Local businesses also are often the first to step up when community organizations need support. Whether it's sponsoring youth sports teams, contributing to local fundraisers, supporting downtown events or volunteering their time and expertise, our small businesses play a critical role in maintaining the quality of life we enjoy in Coshocton.

This summer Our Town Coshocton is excited to once again offer the Hometown Perks Program, which kicked off May 22 and will run through Sept. 7. The program encourages residents and visitors to explore and support participating local businesses throughout the summer months. Participants can pick up a passport at any participating location and earn stickers as they shop and dine. Completed passports can be entered into a grand prize drawing, with participants welcome to submit as many completed passports as they'd like.

This year 20 local businesses have partnered with us to make Hometown Perks possible. Their enthusiasm and commitment to our community are exactly what make programs like this successful. More importantly, they represent the many business owners who show up every day to serve customers, create jobs and contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

At Our Town Coshocton, we often talk about downtown revitalization, economic development and community growth. While those ideas can sometimes feel large and complex, they often begin with something very simple: choosing to spend your dollars close to home. Every purchase sends a message about the kind of community we want to build.

When we support local businesses, we help create a stronger local economy, a more vibrant downtown and greater opportunities for future investment. We help preserve the places that give Coshocton its character and create the momentum needed for continued growth.

This summer I encourage you to visit a business you've never been to before, participate in Hometown Perks, attend a local event and take time to explore everything our community has to offer. You may think you're only buying a cup of coffee, a new outfit or a meal, but the impact of that decision reaches much further than you know. Together, those small choices create a ripple effect that benefits us all.

Our Town Coshocton is a community-driven, nonprofit Main Street organization dedicated to restoring, promoting and energizing Coshocton’s historic district. Through events, restoration efforts, business support and volunteer-driven initiatives, we work to ensure our historic district remains a vibrant, welcoming and economically strong destination for residents and visitors alike.