By Beverly Olson

President, board of directors

Enumclaw Area Chamber of Commerce

If you would ask each and every small-business owner in Enumclaw what they would like to see happen with their business in 2010 many of them would tell you they would like to see an increase in local shoppers. In this age of technology and many of us leading very busy lives, many shoppers go online thinking they might save some time and/or money. On the way home from work many of our commuters stop and shop elsewhere. Many of our retail shops aren’t open when our shoppers want to buy. Let them know that you would shop there if they extended their hours. Maybe they can stay open if you call ahead or order something to pick up at a later date. There are a lot of reasons that our small businesses don’t thrive or survive. An increase in local buyers in 2010 will have a huge positive impact on our local business community.

Before going online to purchase insurance let our local agents give you a quote. Our insurance agencies in town represent many different companies and love to do quotes for you. They are there when you need them when claim time comes. Instead of buying a book online or spending time and money driving to a large bookstore in Puyallup or Federal Way, why not try our local bookstore? If they don’t have what you want maybe they can order it for you. We have a wonderful office supply store that delivers. I love having heavy boxes of paper delivered to my office the same day I order. If they don’t have a cartridge for my printer they will order it and deliver the next day. Have you seen their huge catalog? If you’re interested in a home that is listed by an out-of-town real estate company call one of our local realtors to show you the home. The city relies heavily on sales tax revenue from our local car dealers. Why not check out our local dealers before heading out of town to buy that new or used car? You can purchase a new computer or get your computer repaired right here in Enumclaw.

There are many other examples I could give you. Give us a chance to welcome you as a client or customer. In this economy we must all think about how we can help our city thrive. The local business community supports all types of community events, gives of their time and money to help those less fortunate, are supportive of our schools, and do as much as they can to give back to the city and the community.

If you’re not sure where to find a business or are not sure if there is a business that can help you, call or visit the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce. Please just think about shopping locally first.