Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Special to the Quay County Sun
Tucumcari MainStreet, in partnership with New Mexico MainStreet and the New Mexico Economic Development Department, is launching a Shop MainStreet Campaign to encourage holiday shoppers to shop local first this holiday season.
The campaign was launched in Gallup in October with at a ceremony involving residents, business owners, local and state dignitaries.
"MainStreet is a proven job creator and economic development tool and I am proud of this initiative to encourage New Mexican's to think about shopping in their local MainStreet districts this holiday season," John Barela, secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, said. "When New Mexicans shop MainStreet, we support ‘homegrown’ small businesses and positively impact our local economy and community."
MainStreet officials said shopping local benefits communities by:
∞ Retaining money in the community - Each time that money is spent at locally owned businesses, more money is available to support other local businesses like retail stores, movie theaters, auto repair shops, restaurants, health services, etc., and more local jobs are created
∞ Local businesses generate local jobs - Income to those businesses is returned in the form of salaries, which are spent locally as well. Youth team sponsorships, raffle items, high school scholarships and other community investments are also benefits of local merchants.
∞ Retains local flavor - Experiences at local establishments are completely unique, expressing the local flavor of the area.
∞ Increases community involvement - The men and women who own and operate businesses downtown have deep community roots. They attend athletic events, coach kids, and volunteer for churches and charities. Brick-and-mortar small business owners represent the backbone of local economies.
“Shopping in MainStreet districts impacts the businesses and the community,” said Rich Williams, NM MainStreet state director. ”Dollars spent in local businesses are more likely to recirculate in the community. This creates jobs and builds a stronger tax base.”
A spokesperson for the National MainStreet Center said, “Successful independent businesses contribute to the tax base, meet consumer demand, and add vibrancy to a community, but they also bring stability."
David Hale, president of Tucumcari Federal Savings & Loan and president of Tucumcari MainStreet’s board of directors said, "Tucumcari MainStreet strongly encourages all of our residents to shop locally this Christmas. If you take the time to look at what Tucumcari businesses have to offer, you'll discover new products that you never dreamed you'd find here. Our community offers wonderful items crafted by artisans from within New Mexico that make unique and wonderful gifts."
