About Us
The Sparta - White County Chamber of Commerce
was established in 1895
"We are devoted to the civic, commercial, visitor and economic
development of Sparta and White County."
(Read below the story below)
Saving the brick and mortars our nation was built on
Neighborhood stores offer a lot more than just what is on the shelf
By Jody Sliger
Sparta – White County
Chamber of Commerce
Saving local economies, three stores at a time.
Early in the year 2009, motivated by the downslide in the economy and encouraged by local businesses, the Sparta – White County Chamber of Commerce kicked off a “Shop Sparta and White County First” campaign. With a positive turn on simply raising the awareness of residents about the far-reaching effects of buying within our own neighborhoods, the impact the campaign has on our community is bringing back into focus what makes America great.
Following along the same lines a nationwide effort titled “the 3/50 project” is not just helping raise the awareness, the beauty of this effort is that it offers a specific assignment that could translate into the difference whether a local store will close or stay in business.
Rhonda Dawson, owner of The Natural Answer Healing Center located in historic downtown Sparta, said, “We were in Michigan visiting family and noticed the businesses had signs in the windows about the 3/50 project. After talking to some of the business owners and some customers, we discovered that some of the customers had actually come in specifically to buy from those businesses because they were involved in keeping tax dollars in the town. And some of the businesses were saying it has really made a difference in their town.”
In a simple two-step program, the first being to choose three businesses they would miss if that business closed, then spend $50 each month at these businesses. That is it, the assignment, simple and easy – but what an impact it could make.
Just for the numbers, using information from the Census 2000, if half of the White County households did this, the monthly income of these businesses would increase by $230,750 [4,615x$50=$230,750] And that doesn't count the businesses that could buy from one another for additional increases.
Of course, this shop local is applicable in each town and county. It just seems to put it into perspective that we can make a difference, each one of us, if we really want to.
Communities are not just streets and buildings they are the people who roam them. Bringing the people of the county together for a common goal, improving the quality of life in the community and supporting our businesses, building on the small town values and community relationships on which this entire country was founded.
Especially today in these economic times people are taking extra care considering purchases; we want to remind everyone how the tax system works and where their money goes.
And don’t forget, when we buy locally, from area business people, not only do the local portion of sales tax dollars pay for educating our children, that money maintains our roads, and keep fire and law enforcement personnel available to assist in emergency situations.
The money also keeps our local businesses vital and prosperous. These business owners in turn pay additional business taxes and property taxes. These same businesses employ residents and offer convenient access to all types of products and goods, providing sales tax dollars and services for an enhanced quality of life for all Sparta and White County.
When potential business leaders, possible new residents, and other visitors come to our town, eat in our restaurants, tour the historic district or explore our selection of antique dealers, having a viable and active business community portrays a positive image, for our town and the residents.
There is no cost involved in registering with the 3/50 project, simply visit online www.the350project.net.
_____________________________________________________________________________
For more information about Sparta and White County, visit www.sparta-chamber.net
Sparta - White County Chamber of Commerce
16 W. Bockman Way, Sparta, TN 38583
(931) 836-3552
Wallace G. Austin, President
Jody Patrick Sliger, Tourism & Marketing Director
Printer friendly version
