It can be difficult to keep a business afloat in a normal year when conditions are ideal, let alone in the middle of a pandemic.
While some Washington County businesses have adapted, others have closed or are still temporarily shut down until there is some relief in sight.
The success of local businesses is vital to many of the aspects of the community, including jobs, quality of life and tax revenue. When you shop locally, the money you spend stays in the community. American Express estimates that about 68 cents out of every dollar spent in local shops stays at home.
Many of those local businesses help support the local athletic teams, donate to fundraisers and give back to the schools.
That's why, now more than ever, it's important to support local — and for many, the money is there to spend.
The U.S. personal savings rate — the percentage of people's income remaining after each month after taxes and spending — surged to 20.5% in January, up from 13.4% the month prior. Americans have an estimated $3.9 trillion in savings — up from $1.38 trillion in February 2020, according to an analysis from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The next wave of stimulus checks hit bank accounts Wednesday morning. About 90 million people got their $1,400 payments.
Many will also receive their tax refunds yet too.
As there is money to be spent, be cognizant of where you spend it. Please remember to support local.
