When local supports local

By Ken McEntee

As a consumer, you can spend your money anywhere you choose. Steve Walbolt, owner of MDG Flooring America and Kiba Studios, suggests that supporting locally owned businesses can offer advantages to your community. Here, he explains more.

Q: How does shopping local help one’s community?
A: The money you spend with a local business is more likely to be re-spent with another business in the same community. When local businesses support each other, it helps to lift up everybody, keeping the community economically strong, as opposed to having a large portion of your dollar getting shipped to a corporate account thousands of miles away. Local owners—like your neighbors and friends—are probably more connected and more likely to give back to their communities.

Q: How so?
A: Our showroom, for example, is a collection point for charity drives throughout the year, whether it’s Toys for Tots, Coats for Kids, or badly needed pet supplies for shelters. We also sponsor youth sports and other beneficial kids’ activities. We feel we should help to keep our community strong and vibrant by supporting the people who help to keep us in business. It’s a part of the core values that our business was founded upon.

Q: How are those values applied in your business?
A: They are essential. Implementing core values, such as treating customers like family and being honest and trustworthy, not only keeps our customers coming back, but it also sets an example that strengthens our community.

You can keep your home improvement dollars in your community by visiting the MDG Flooring America and Kiba Studios showroom, 3812 Pearl Road in Medina. Find more information at MDGFlooringAmerica.com and KibaStudios.com, or call 330-725-5252.