Support local vendors.

When you support small businesses in your community, you are helping feed a family and increasing the economic climate of your neighborhood. Not to say workers in big corporations don’t need their checks to survive too, but it is different when you are supporting a family business.

Most small businesses, especially ones being run by a family, do not have the assurance that they are getting a certain salary every year, or a 401K, or health insurance. They do not get all the benefits of large corporations. They live on what they make day-to-day.

As a small business owner, I know this is true. I depend on the income I get each week from the parents whose kiddos I take care of. I do not know how much I will make until I figure it up for taxes at the end of the year. There are lots of variables that come into play for my business, just as for most small businesses. There is a basic amount we should be making, but it depends on the customers if it all pans out.

This week, in Kansas City, we are all psyched for the SuperBowl. There are vendors everywhere selling Chiefs merchandise in celebration and preparation for Sunday. Some vendors are local and some are big corporate stores. I made sure I got my merchandise from a local store, so I was helping out a smaller company that will really reap the benefits from our celebration. We were so excited to play the AFC Championship game here as it brought lots of business to Kansas City, especially the small family spots around town.

I know that sometimes items are cheaper when you go to the big box stores, but at least you know when you purchase from small businesses you are making a difference for that person that rung up your purchase and you are keeping that business open. We need to boost small businesses up, so they are just as important in our community as the bigger stores and do not get overtaken by those big stores.