put your money where your mouth is
and Support Your Local Businesses
M
any of us are interested in supporting
local businesses. We see the
importance, especially in today’s
economy, of spending our dollars locally, but
unfortunately find it easier to espouse this
idea than to practice it. With mega discount
shopping centers on every corner carrying
every imaginable convenience, it’s tempting
to participate in one stop shopping. There’s
no doubt we live in a consumer driven
society where mass produced products fuel
much of our economy.
Yet for those involved in any type of
agribusiness or who are in any way invested
in livestock there is an opportunity to
support local business that may have been
overlooked. Feed shops are, for many, a
necessity. These feed shops carry most
everything sold at a Petco or PetSmart,
and usually their items are cheaper and
of better quality. Feed stores don’t rely on
advertising to the same degree as their
large competitors and therefore don’t need
to absorb the cost through raising prices
and yet, sadly, too often, their customers
purchase only feed.
These local stores are essential for farmers,
ranchers, equestrians, and even those who
have embraced sustainable living. For these
groups of people, feed stores provide what
is essential to their livelihood. Any who
shop regularly at these stores know that
they rely on service, word of mouth and
location to attract customers. What may
not be understood is that these stores need
our business to continue thriving. They
need us to support them by buying more
than just feed. This will help keep their
doors open.
Though, in many ways, our society has
seemingly moved away from a lifestyle
that was reliant on small mom and pop
stores, or small specialty shops, there is
also a growing movement of conscious
individuals and families who are seeking a
return to simplicity. These are families who
raise chickens, grow gardens and work in
cooperation with their communities to enact
changes that matter. Feed stores play an
important role in the continued movement
toward a more sensible lifestyle that many
are seeking.
Chances are if you’re reading this magazine,
you already shop at feed stores and therefore
comprehend the significance of putting your
money where your mouth is. You need the
feed stores and they need you. All that’s
needed in order to maintain this mutual
benefit is a conscious decision on the part of
consumers. We need to choose wisely where
we will spend our money. Next time you
head to your local feed store, look around.
What else could you pick up? Don’t run to
the local grocery store or Petco for dog food
two days after hitting your local feed store
for hay and horse food. Purchasing one
additional item each time you need the feed
store could make all the difference.
SKYTECH DRILLING
Family Operated Since 1988
MEETING ALL OF YOUR
DRILLING NEEDS
WATER WELL DRILLING • PUMP INSTALLATION
PUMP & SYSTEM REPAIRS • WELL INSPECTIONS
WATER TESTING • WELL ABANDONMENT
FREE WELL DRILLING ESTIMATES
We Specialize in Repainting
[email protected]
PO Box 41881, Phoenix, AZ 85085
623-580-4984
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
144685 C-53 Res. & 149362 A-04 Comm.
WWW.SKYTECHDRILLING.COM
AZintheSaddle.com
May 2014
17