Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1319461
10 This Christmas, I'm buying local, and here's why. As a family, every year, we talk about "shopping local" during the holidays. But this year, it means more. Times have been tough, and our businesses have hung in there. Many have continued to donate to charitable causes despite the challenges. It has made me more appreciative of their local support, like buying ads in the theatre program or sponsoring my son's baseball team. Local businesses contribute to countless things that make life a whole lot better in Frankenmuth. Our business community is committed to helping subsidize many of the things we've come to love about our City. Many receive dozens of requests for funds every week. It was with this in mind that I worried when it came time to approach them about adding new Christmas decorations in the City. I was nervous because it is 2020, and they had every reason to say, "Not this year." I was wrong. The conversations inspired me, as I spoke to so many donors who said, "Count us in!" They love to work together to keep Frankenmuth vibrant, beautiful, and full of opportunity. They were all in for creating something positive that we could all enjoy as a community. I am grateful for their generosity. As I make my Christmas list this year, I plan to pay forward their generosity. Every purchase matters to the person who owns a local store. They notice and are grateful, especially in 2020. I don't expect to find everything on my kids lists in town, but I will think twice about every purchase and ask around for ideas on where to get something locally. And as I head into the new year, I will keep it going. We don't only shop at the holidays. What if I checked Gill-Roys or True Value before just running to a bigger store? And what would it hurt to give a local car dealer an opportunity to find what I'm looking for before looking elsewhere? Those businesses matter to me and to our community. So this year, during the holidays and beyond, please join me in shopping locally. In doing so, we support the businesses that support our community. For a great way to support local businesses while saving, pick up a Peppermint Perks Discount Card from the Frankenmuth Visitor Center. Save $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at 32 Frankenmuth retailers and restaurants! By Jamie Furbush