Wasilla contest reinforces value of local shopping

A new beautification initiative in Wasilla shows that making the city a better place to live, work and shop is not always just the province of city government. Spearheaded by John Klapperich, owner of KMBQ radio and a past president of the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, the summer-long beautification contest aims to encourage local businesses to polish both their appearance and their customer service.

For judging purposes, pictures were taken of participating businesses around Memorial Day. On Labor Day weekend, in-person visits will be paid to the same businesses by a panel of judges who will note the changes made over the course of the summer. In the interim, &#8220secret shoppers” will visit the businesses to monitor customer service.

The inspiration for the contest is based on the belief that economy-energizing local shopping is something everyone in the community can be a part of. Better looking, more customer-friendly businesses will encourage more folks to use them. In turn, the well-established value of supporting local businesses gets more momentum.

Chamber of Commerce officials are fond of pointing out that a dollar spent locally has the potential to change hands seven times in the local economy. We may not notice the actual exchange of dollars, and the effect of those exchanges may not be obvious, but they provide a huge economic shot in the arm.

The boost that comes from local shopping benefits everyone. From a better job market to an expanded tax base, a robust business environment enriches the community and encourages more of the same.

One of the benefits of the growth we've witnessed in recent years is the availability of goods and services. Fewer and fewer items require a trip to Anchorage these days, as a bevy of specialty shops, boutiques and big-city-type retail outlets have sprung up right here in our community.

So local shopping also keeps us closer to home. It saves gas and time - two things that can combine to erase comparative savings on similar items in Anchorage or offered for sale, with delivery charge, over the Internet.

Additionally, money not spent on fuel means more money for other things. And time saved on the road and fighting crowds in Anchorage means more time for family, friends and the things that matter most.

We applaud the beautification project and the initiative shown by Klapperich and the businesses involved. This kind of civic-mindedness brings benefit to all city residents. It is our hope that residents will do their part, in return, by patronizing participating businesses and remembering the great value in shopping the Valley.