Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Sykes: Support community, shop locally

With only days till Christmas, Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes is urging people to shop locally for gifts and services.

“In tough times it is more important than ever to spend in the local community and support the shops, businesses and service providers that build the local economy,” Dr Sykes said.

“When you buy presents locally, you know that your money stays in your own town and you don’t have the considerable fuel costs associated with travelling long distances to the big retail centres.

“By supporting local businesses you are helping to create jobs for local people and even more importantly, giving young people more opportunities to remain in their home town.”

Dr Sykes said many people valued the commitment to follow-up service generated by locally-bought goods, compared with a more ‘ho-hum’ attitude when customers returned purchases to a distant retail centre.

“We also need to remember that it’s generally the local businesses which support our service and sporting clubs year in, year out and our custom helps them do that,” he said.

“There are many personal benefits too.

“While you may not have the vast range of goods to choose from that Melbourne or larger regional cities can offer, you are sure to have a more peaceful, convenient shopping experience and customer service is welcoming and friendly in the smaller centres.

“Parking is less hassle and you can browse without pressure in stores that value your support.

“Even in difficult financial times such as those we are going through now, it’s in our own hands to strengthen the prosperity and quality of life that our country towns can offer and we can do that by supporting our local businesses,” Dr Sykes said.

He also urged the community to remember those less fortunate.

“Many organisations and businesses in our towns establish Christmas trees for giving gifts so everyone can enjoy Christmas.

“Although we will never know who receives the gifts we place under such trees, we can be certain that they will be appreciated by a needy child or adult on Christmas Day.”

Media contact: Bill Sykes  (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989