Just imagine you run a family owned business.
You work hard to give a great product at a reasonable price.
You offer exceptional customer service, and you do everything you can to give back to your community.
When another small business opens up as your competition, you find a way to diversify your products.
You change your services to suit the needs of more customers in the community.
Soon the two companies are doing well, and you realize there is nothing wrong with a little competition.
But when Walmart opens up in town, it's a completely different story.
Your products are made in America, good quality, but can't compete with the prices of the goods Walmart imports from China.
There are many loyal costumers that continue to come to your store, but the majority of profit is lost to the retail giant.
You struggle to keep the business running, throwing special events and offering discounts, but nothing seems to be enough.
You aren't the only business that is struggling.
You notice that several businesses in town start closing down, and realize you very well may be next.
This is a story occurring all over America.
Small businesses are being crushed by the giant franchises that they have no hope of competing with.
As thousands of stores close their doors across America, it seems that the family owned business has become an endangered species.
And for all of you city dwellers, don't think this destruction is limited to small towns.
In 2006 a Walmart opened up in the West Side of Chicago.
Within two years, 82 local stores went out of business.
So what are we losing with these small business? More than you might think.
Many local businesses competing against each other is the best way to ensure creativity, innovation, quality and low prices over the long-term.
Locally owned businesses select products based on local customers and community interests, unlike their massive competitors that choose based on a national sales plan.
Plus the small and locally owned business could be the solution to our countries job problems.
An article on http://www.
whitehouse.
gov discussing this very issue states that, "Small businesses are the engine of job growth in our economy.
" Stacy Mitchell from www.
ilsr.
org explains, "Locally owned businesses create more jobs locally and, in some sectors, provide better wages and benefits than chains do.
" Small Businesses across America need our support.
Don't let the family owned business go extinct.
Please support your local businesses today.