February 4, 2009 - For Dave Roberts, President of the Schuylerville Area Chamber of Commerce, the choice is simple: to help his local economy, he promotes the area's homegrown business. "When times get tough, you spend with your neighbors. The multiplier effect will put some of that money right back in your pocket, and remember... what goes around, comes around."

In a blog article posted today, Mr. Roberts notes "the Schuylerville community has many local businesses that compete for our money with national chains. If you are comparing their products dollar for dollar, don’t forget the multiplier effect. For every dollar you spend locally, you get a financial return."

To help explain the multiplier effect -- and make the case for supporting neighborhood businesses -- Roberts quotes Michael Shuman: "Think of yourself as being at the center of your own consumption solar system with emanating rays of purchasing power. Each purchase you make triggers purchases by others. For instance, a dollar spent on rent might be spent again by your property owner at your local grocer, who in turn pays an employee, who in turn buys a movie ticket."

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