This week’s Imagination Hat isn’t a hard concept to grasp. Uncle Sam wants you to buy American. We do not get a chance to go to the ballot box every day. But we can vote with our dollars every day. If you are a small business owner, one of the most patriotic things you can do, and one of the best things you can do for your own business is to support the other businesses in your own local economy. While this injunction seems a no-brainer, it is surprising how many businesses are still focused on purchasing the least costly goods and services from an unknown source, even if they could purchase that same product from a local business right down the road. The largest businesses in the area need to become role models for the rest in this effort. For example, if a local home-town bank makes purchases from a local vendor, that vendor will turn around and bring his larger paycheck back into the bank. The purchase allows this family to buy dance lessons for their kid. The dance instructor comes into the bank to request a loan for a larger storefront, bringing more and more people into town for dance lessons, and supporting the local eaterie. The local eaterie can then support the local ball team with new jerseys, improving the morale of the team, and bringing people back into the restaurant. The whole cycle repeats itself, increasing the health of the entire local economy.

Think greater good. It is good for your business! Buy local. Buy American.  

That is this week’s Imagination Hat.