By Brian Anderson
At some point today, you will probably find yourself in a store purchasing something. You may be at the Green Spot buying bread and milk, at Jim’s Slack Shack purchasing a new winter wardrobe or seeing one of the Brookers to purchaser a new Ford or Toyota. If we men were smart, we would go see the Finleys at Maryville Jewelers and take care or our special loved ones this Christmas. When we buy in Dalton-Whitfield, our money stays in Dalton-Whitfield.
Just by my naming a few of our neighbors/merchants, I am simply reminding you and me of the wonderful and strong retail community that we have right here in the Dalton-Whitfield community. These local entrepreneurs can take care of most of our shopping needs.
Throughout the years, the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce has remained committed to urging the community to shop locally. Given the impact that sales tax dollars have on providing the resources for local government services, spending our dollars locally is critical to our long-term viability. Buying local does not mean never visiting a big-box retailer even one not located here. It does mean purchasing as much as possible from the local retail and service community.
Sales tax dollars make up almost 50 percent of the tax revenue for Whitfield County and close to 40 percent of all revenue sources. Because of the revenue from sales taxes (much of which comes from those passing through), county property taxes are lower than 90 percent of all counties in Georgia. In recent years, Whitfield County has received between $16 million and $18 million annually in sales tax revenue. As stated earlier these dollars pay for many of the services provide by our local government. And when we spend our dollars in other communities, we are subsidizing the services provided to those communities.
There are times that something is wanted or needed that cannot be purchased locally. But most of the time, local options are plentiful. I am not suggesting the extreme or unreasonable, just that more often than not, what we are looking for can be found right here. Many have argued that local sales taxes could and should be lower. I will leave that to our elected officials to debate. I would point out, however, that the sales tax rate for most Georgia communities is fairly close to ours – between 6 percent and 7 percent. Comparatively speaking, Chattanooga sales tax rate is 9.75 percent or 28 percent higher than ours.
One easy way to buy local is to purchase Chamber Checks, which are marketed to local business and industry to be used as employee incentives, awards and gifts for the holidays and throughout the year. Anyone can drop by the chamber and purchase Chamber Checks that can be redeemed at more than 85 local restaurants and retail stores.
Programs such as Chamber Checks are a great way to encourage local shopping, form partnerships with the retail and service business community, and generally promote economic prosperity in Whitfield County. Of course, it’s the faithful support from local companies and redemption centers that really make the program succeed. The chamber is most appreciative for their participation throughout the years and for their support of this program. Chamber Checks are available without a service fee (from the chamber or our local financial institutions). We are grateful for the service provided by our member banks. Their strong support of this initiative and their investment in the community through the chamber make Chamber Checks a great member benefit that also benefits the entire community.
Of course, there are other local gift certificate programs to consider. Many downtown retailers offer Downtown Dollars that can be used in numerous businesses in the downtown Dalton district. Dalton Outlet Shops and Walnut Square Mall also offer gift certificates for use within their retail partner stores. Most major department stores, restaurants, and grocery stores also offer some form of gift card. So no matter what you are in search of, great gift ideas abound in Dalton-Whitfield. Buy local!
Although we have struggled as a community, a state, and a nation for many months now, we are still a blessed people. By working together and supporting each other, we will continue to thrive and prosper. Merry Christmas from your chamber of commerce!
Brian D. Anderson Sr. is president and CEO of the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce.
