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It Pays to Shop Local

“Shop Local” event supports local economy by showcasing unique local businesses

By Eugenia Jones
eugenia@highland.net

Want to find unique merchandise at a great price?
Want to discover new local businesses?
Want to support our neighbors and our local economy?
If so, make plans now to be at the McCreary County Public Library (MCPL) as it celebrates “Shop Local Day” on Saturday November 25, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. Hosting their second annual local vendor event, the library has confirmed more than thirty small businesses, sales consultants, and non-profits will participate in the event. With local sales consultants, small business owners, and non-profit organizations all gathered under one roof, shoppers will have a convenient opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping while discovering unique local businesses and supporting the local economy.
Last year, the event, established by MCPL Children’s Librarian Holly Daugherty, drew more than thirty vendors with over six hundred shoppers browsing through merchandise and buying from local vendors.
“I approached our librarian, Kay, about the idea, and we decided to run with it,” Daugherty explained. “Even though I am the Children’s Librarian, I was born and raised here and want to give back to the community. At the library, we want to reach the community we serve. Everything we do to help strengthen our community helps the children. After all, our children are the future of McCreary County.”
Daugherty meets many moms who bring their children to the library and who have started successful small businesses to help generate income for their families.
“We have so much talent in McCreary County,” Daugherty noted. “I meet so many moms who have started small businesses. The Shop Local Day event is our way of showcasing that talent. For that one day, we can give a platform of visibility to business owners who don’t have a storefront. We try to give them a boost that we hope will help out for the rest of the year.”
In addition to lots of vendors, the event will offer refreshments as well as a drop box to collect shoppers’ local receipts for entry into United Cumberland Bank’s “Shop Local” drawing.

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