Nassau urges consumers: Shop local

Nassau business leaders are urging shoppers: This holiday season, don't forget to shop local.

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and representatives of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce sought to spread that message Tuesday to consumers pondering their holiday gift lists and shopping destinations.

At a news conference at Umberto's Pizzeria & Restaurant in New Hyde Park, they said there were benefits to patronizing Long Island's businesses, citing a boost to the local economy, increased sales tax revenue and the support of local schools and government, among other advantages.

"Think of the stores in your community that may have the same product" as the national retailers, urged Julie Marchesella, first vice president of the Nassau Council and owner of Queen of Hearts in Merrick.

Mangano said small businesses provide 60 percent of the county's jobs. "Money spent here is re-spent three to four times in the local economy," he said. "Every time that money is spent here, we collect sales tax. Part of that money supports local school districts and supports local towns."

According to Martin Melkonian, a Hofstra University economics professor, just how much additional income is generated by local sales depends on many factors, such as the type of service or product being sold and whether money is really circulated -- not hoarded -- and kept within the local economy as it is spent again and again.

But there is, perhaps, a more important intangible effect, Melkonian said.

"Spending locally adds to the sense of community, which is very crucial in these times," he said. "Too often in suburbia we are atomized, and to the degree we can get to know local shopkeepers, spend locally and interact with them, that adds to the social fabric."

Mangano and business leaders said local merchants are among the biggest supporters of sports programs and community charity events.

Small storefronts often don't have the marketing budget to compete with national chains. At this time of year, however, many chambers of commerce or business improvement districts sponsor holiday shopping events, such as Port Washington's Port Holiday Magic coming up this Saturday.

"People really have to reacquaint themselves with the businesses and services in town," said Roy J. Smitheimer, executive director of the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District, "and when they do, they will be surprised."