By Vicky Baxter,
Renton Chamber of Commerce

In thinking about the impact that local businesses give back to the community, I want to start this article with a big “thank you.” If I began to name the businesses that support fundraisers, auctions, the homeless and people in need in our area, there simply would not be enough room in this column.

The business community is not only giving of their treasures, they also give of their time. Countless business owners and their staff volunteer to coach every sport in Renton that your kids are involved in. Or participate in a city clean-up day. Or volunteer for DECA or any given event at the schools, at their church, support nonprofits or even at the Renton Chamber of Commerce events.

They live, learn, play, shop and dine here. Renton is their home too.

Recently we had an out-of-town visitor who had left her purse hanging on the back of her chair at a local restaurant. Her keys were in her pocket so she didn’t notice the purse missing until she had gone into a store to make a purchase.

She was frantic and the store personnel, although very busy with holiday shoppers, calmed her down and made the call to the restaurant which found her purse still hanging on the back of the chair.

Now this may seem the right thing to do and not exactly a “hero moment,” but to this gal they were her heroes. You see, inside that purse was $1,000 but to her more importantly was a locket given to her by her mother who had recently passed away. The clasp had broken on her trip and she had it in her purse.

The Thanksgiving weekend looked bleak for volunteers and donations of food. In fact, Leigh Weber with REACH was not certain if she would be able to accommodate the 50-plus folks who were hungry. She sent an email saying they had no food or volunteers lined up for our evening meal on Saturday or Sunday and may have to cancel. This was a “call to action” for the Renton community and needless to say, this community responded. Both residents and businesses came out in force.

Shopping in Renton also supports the important aspects of our City such as police departments, schools and emergency services. Consider this: When you spend $100 in a small business, $68 of that remains local.

How do you say thanks and really get the message to people who give so much to this community? One way is to support their businesses. Shop local! Don’t be drawn to the mall in another city! Local businesses appreciate your business and embrace “GREAT” customer service.

Drop by the Renton Chamber at 625 S. Fourth St. and pick up Renton Buyer’s guide (a membership directory) or call us and we will mail you on.

Or just head to www.GoRenton.com and find it online.

Remember, these businesses are here 365 days of the year. They have invested in the City of Renton. Show your support and shop local first.

Happy Prosperous New Year!

Vicky Baxter is CEO of the Renton Chamber of Commerce.