By shifting the focus of holiday shopping to local businesses, we can strengthen our Community and Economy, create more jobs and — equally important — we can enjoy more relaxed and rewarding experiences doing holiday shopping. Small Businesses are the backbone of our community.

The direct benefits we could provide to our hometown if each resident of our valley made a conscious effort to spend just 10% more locally are huge! 
“Spending 10% More Home” could provide: 

  • $2,800,000 Million Dollars in Local Tax Base: (based upon 10% increase from last years sales & use tax) At the minimum, this would be the direct economic benefit of that would stay right here at home. This is money that provides residential services by the Town & County.

  • Direct Positive Economic Impact: This is a proactive approach to an uncertain economic climate. All we have to do is focus 10% more of our spending at home. 

Think outside the box, here are some new ideas, that you might not be doing already, that would help keep 10% Home this Holiday Season:

  • Everyone --EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificates from a local hair salon or barber? 

  • Recreation Center membership?  It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. 

  • Local Ski, Snowmobile & Activity Vouchers: There is nothing better than the gift of a local outdoor adventure. We live in Winter Paradise; give someone the gift that will provide a long lasting memory.

  • How about a weekend stay at one of our fine lodging properties that may include breakfast or dinner. 

  • Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed?  Small, locally owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates. 

  • Perhaps your are one of those more extravagant givers, here are some ideas to help you in the giving spirit. I’ll bet that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn care for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course. 

  • There are many wonderful owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intended recipient isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.  Remember, this is about supporting our home town residents with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. 

  • How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a local shop run by locals?

  • How about a lovely certificate from a local book shop? 

  • Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?  Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day. 

  • How about a manicure or massage from a local spa. 

  • My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young entrepreneur who is struggling to get his or her repair business up and running. 

  • Local gifts or gift certificates from one of our fine retail or crafts stores. How about something handmade that adds that personal touch.  They offer and make art, jewelry, pottery and beautiful wooden boxes, just to name a few of the many offerings. 

  • Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. 

  • And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theater. Attend a high school or college recital or theatre production. 

  • Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands, concerts at churches or find a non-profit group that’s performing in the area. 

Let’s all make an effort to focus this season on caring for each other and helping our local, small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about each other, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. 


For more information on “10% Home” click here or contact the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, at  733-3316. Contact Rick Howe; rick@jacksonholechamber.com.