The loss of Renton Western Wear is yet another reason why “Shop Locally” is such an important mantra.

Here’s the list of Renton businesses that are participating in the CurveCard program. Show the participating business the card for a special deal. The cards are available at Renton City Hall.

Patronizing those businesses and the others not in the program will go a long ways toward keeping our locally owned businesses in business.

It’s clear that Renton Western Wear co-owners Jerry Kavesh and his sister Gina have spent months agonizing over the future of their family’s store that has helped anchor downtown Renton for more than 60 years.

Even with very sharp pencils, they couldn’t find a way to overcome the economic ravages of the recession.

Kavesh has nothing but praise for the efforts of the City of Renton to make downtown Renton strong. He has served on committees in those endeavors and has been an integral part of Renton River Days for nearly 30 years.

The city will partner with the Chamber of Commerce and downtown leaders in making a renewed commitment to revitalize downtown.

But even with some high-profile business closures in recent months – happy-delusions and Armondo’s to name just two – new businesses continue to believe that downtown is the place to locate.

One is Marianna’s, a new Italian restaurant in Armondo’s space.

Luckily, Kavesh’s involvement in Renton won’t end, even as he figures out what to do next.

For the rest of Renton, keep chanting that mantra, “Shop Locally.”