By Debbie Pigman

I know you’re busy, don’t have a lot of time, and probably desire, to read a lengthy column right now, so I’ll be brief. Two words: SHOP LOCAL.

More than ever, we need your dollars to stay on the island. SHOPPING LOCAL helps our businesses succeed, therefore, there are jobs to sustain us, therefore, there are goods and services to sustain us, therefore, there is tax revenue generated to sustain us … and so on …

So you can get a few things for less on the mainland? Well, the time is here to look at the big picture, to work together to sustain our community by keeping your dollars in our community. THINK LOCAL, BE LOCAL, BUY LOCAL! It just makes good sense.

Here’s what an islander wrote about his on-island shopping experience:

“My wife and I have just returned home from a wonderful day of Christmas shopping in Friday Harbor. Frankly, we do a lot of shopping online, as well as on the mainland, so we were in for a very pleasant surprise.

“The variety of stores and merchandise here couldn’t be matched by any box store or mall. We got fun educational toys for the grandkids, unique gifts for many of those hard-to-please family members, and there was no end of great ideas displayed at our fingertips. All within a few short blocks in downtown Friday Harbor.

“There were no long ferry rides, no freeways or gas fillups. Could we have saved a couple of bucks? I don’t care. We had a pleasant, easy-going afternoon, bought the majority of our Christmas presents, stopped for a bite to eat at one our many great restaurants here, and got home in time to start dinner. And we feel the spirit of the holidays now, having done our small part to support our fellow islanders.

”I urge everyone to try it — You might be surprised at not only the variety, but the good prices. Most importantly, we actually ENJOYED Christmas shopping!”

Warm Wishes for a Happy (and to all businesses a Profitable) Holiday!

— Debbie Pigman is executive director of the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce

— Friday Harbor’s sales tax revenue in September was $68,792 less than in September 2007, according to figures from the town treasurer’s office. To read the story CLICK HERE.