What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around. If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imaging the positive impact if 2/3 of the employed population did that. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it on line and nothing comes home. The number of people it takes to start the trend….you. Antwerp Chamber of Commerce has a challenge for Antwerp- Spend $50 in 3 businesses. That is $150 per month at a minimum of 3 different Antwerp businesses at $50 each, or $25 in 6 businesses, etc you get the drift. Starting May 8th- save your receipts, (you can ask for a receipt at the business) and turn them in at the Grab Your Neighbor event on June 8. Do the same thing for July, August and September. The winner will be drawn at the Grab your Neighbor event and the prize is $50 in Chamber Bucks. Enter every month. Name and phone number on each receipt. Fill your tank, change your tires, get your oil changed, pick up some groceries, get your hair or nails done, prescriptions, flowers, food, flooring, etc. any Antwerp businesses including a home based business. Let’s have some fun and support our small town businesses. #smalltownbigpride #smallbusinesschallenge #smallbusiness