My turn: Value better with local merchants

Because air conditioners are sentient beings (never try to convince me otherwise), ours decided to call it quits when it saw warmer weather in the forecast.

The efficient young man who came by to issue the death proclamation urged us to check the website of a major national retailer because that was where we'd find the best price for a replacement.

I did look online, but our replacement cooler has been ordered from a long-time local business. It turns out that our repairman and I have different ways of determining value.

Was the online price cheaper? Indeed it was. Did I get a better value for my dollar by shopping locally? Yes, and here is why.

You see, that major national retailer isn't paying local taxes that are going to help my community. The commission from that sale wouldn't have gone to someone I know, someone who will be there if I have questions or need help. That national chain doesn't buy yearbook ads or sponsor cheerleaders or donate merchandise to our school fundraisers or support our county fair or cheer for our teams.

Our local merchants do all of that and more for a few extra dollars. That's a price I'm willing to pay.

Betty Williamson knows that true value is rarely measured in dollars. You may reach her at [email protected].