Que lindo es el dia en que das a tus ojos la oportunidad de ver la belleza natural vertida en una persona, no hay fantasia ni realidad ni realidad sin fantasia,

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Keep It Local
Lee Johndrow

The current economic difficulties of our nation have affected all of us. It has changed the way we do business. In many respects it is causing business to evaluate what their next step will be. Without businesses developing a positive outlook and moving in that direction, everyone stands to lose. One of the things about this economic time of struggle, is that we are forced to look at change or go out business. Many had already begun to change things like driving habits over the summer as gas prices climbed. Now that many are not traveling as far, there is something that is historical repeat. People are looking at doing business locally. People are revisiting businesses in their home communities. And in many respects, this period of time we are in, opens new opportunities for those of us in business.

One of those changes is that we can truly look at business locally. For years we have shopped across the internet (Not many years, but it sure feels like it!) and travelled to get what we want. With increased gas prices and a slowed economy, doing business locally is in many cases a necessity. And as business people we need to move in a direction that can benefit others as it benefits us. We must look for win-win situations.

On a personal business level, we have begun to make changes to preserve cash and keep our costs down. The choices we are making are helping some other businesses. We have changed our delivery practices. We are developing new ways to reach clients. We recently developed some really incredible packages and even reduced prices to help business people continue to get their message out.

Why keep it local?

Examine some facts.
Buying locally makes a surprising economic difference even with non-local products like books. According to a study in Austin, Texas, buying [Michael] Pollan's book for $16 at a locally owned, independent book store keeps $7.20 in the local economy, while buying it for the same price at a chain store means only $2.10 is kept local. (Contrary to a popular belief, locally owned stores often offer similar prices to the chains.) And buying the book online, of course, keeps hardly any money local - mostly the wages of the people who deliver the book to your door and the people who service the delivery trucks.Excerpt from an article by Carl Etnier 2008

Ten good reasons to shop at locally owned businesses:

1-Significantly more money re-circulates in your community when you buy from locally owned, rather than nationally owned, businesses: More money stays in the community because locally owned businesses purchase from other local businesses, service providers, and farms. Purchasing locally helps grow other businesses as well as your community's tax base.

2-Local businesses provide most new jobs: Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally, and in most communities provide the most new jobs to residents.

3-One-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of a community's distinctive character: The unique character of any town or region is what people love about it, and what tourists come to visit. Richard Moe, president of the National Historic Preservation Trust, says, �When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace.�

4-Local business owners invest in community: People who own local businesses live in the community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community�s future.

5-Customer service is better: Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.

6-Competition and diversity lead to more choices: A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

7-Local businesses have less environmental impact: Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases, requiring less transportation, and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss, and pollution.

8-Local businesses' public benefits far outweigh their public costs: Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

9-Local businesses encourages investment in the community: A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest in and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

10-Local businesses give more support to nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations receive an average 350 percent greater support from local business owners than they do from non-locally owned businesses.
 
We need to look at what benefits our locale, our region. Money spent here helps you.

Here at Valley Photofieds, we have some really great advertisers. And it helps them spend their advertising dollars wisely when you tell them you found their ad here in the Valley Photofieds. Wisely spent advertising dollars keep costs lower to them. This benefits you. These are area advertisers keeping their monies local. Locally spent money benefits you. While we walk out this time in our lives, we have many opportunities to change our local communities.

There are reasons I do business with my clients whenever possible. It keeps my money local. Just this last week I made the decision to spend money with one dealer over another. Why? That dealer is spending money with me. My insurance comes up for both my vehicles and my home. For sure I will make every attempt to keep my money in my local area.  And secondly, I will do business with those who spend money with me. Money spent with us will stay in the area at a greater extent.

Many of you in this trying time will start businesses. We hope you will look to us to work with you.

Keep your money local whenever you can!

The Quality of Work

A few months ago, my wife and I decided to undertake a number of projects at our home. Some of those projects included, the removal of an underground oil tank, a new septic system, foundation work, a new roof and deck enclosure, replacing of the oil tank and a few smaller projects. We investigated banks and contractors. We hired engineers and set up contractors and made our decisions.

First to work on was the underground oil tank. We hired a "recommended firm." And set up the other contractors to follow. He showed up and began the project.

Suffice to say over the last few months we have faced many challenges as we endeavored to do these projects at our home. In August our "recommended contractor" came to our home to remove the oil tank. The next day we experienced over 2 inches of water filling our basement. 3 weeks later the rain stopped. And I was able to stop mopping up water.  Two insurance companies insisted the problem was not theirs. The contractor stated it was "not his fault." Yet my wife and I had to move children and grandchildren in to our living room, while we removed carpet and sheetrock and dealt with mold and dampness in 6 rooms. And we lost time from work and the peace of our home. We had many other projects that had to be put on hold, while the problem was dealt with. I found myself disappointed and angry.

Finally we seemed to be making the turn.

Last weekend I hired an electrical contractor to come and do some work that was necessary to the next steps. That night as my wife and I readied to go out to dinner for our anniversary at the Springfield Royal Diner, my daughter announced "we have no water." It took them 4 days to resolve the issue they created. Dinner was great, as usual, but I suspect I was not the best company.

We have hired 4 other contractors in addition to the 4 we have used. We have experienced 4 "disasters" on this project and yet in this project there have been some of who have stepped up to the plate. You will find their ads in this publication. And while I will refrain from naming the propagators of disaster, I will tell you of those who stepped up to the plate. Steve from Bishop's and because of that they will receive additional business from me and I will buy my 13th Christmas tree in as many years from them. Barry Vittum Plumbing, who even though we encountered a problem with work done by others, is working it out to make sure our plumbing works. Randy from M&W Engineering in Charlestown, who came to work out the details after the flooding. And Buck Adams from Westminster, who took on a huge project for us. They accommodated us every step of the way. And when we ran into some problems he was out here in hours to help.

It all comes down to the quality of work and the integrity of those who own those companies. Our country is facing severe difficulties from business operators who took money without concern for employees or stock holders.

If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. -- Alan K. Simpson

If I were to ask you what attribute is the most influential in regard to the success of a business, would you know immediately which one is the most important? Based on my many years as a business owner and entrepreneur, I have discovered that at the very top of the list is the distinguishing quality of integrity. Without integrity at the helm of a company, a business is usually short-lived. In fact, when business integrity is present throughout the deepest layers of a company and not just at its surface, it becomes the heart and soul of the company's culture and can mean the difference between a company that succeeds and a company that falters.

The Internet's Immeasurable Impact on the Marketplace!

The importance of integrity has always existed among the business community, but in recent times has been shown as falling short. It is the Internet's immeasurable impact on the global marketplace that is now making the expression of integrity, reliability and credibility extremely important. Furthermore, the consequence of global competition means that customers will simply not consider a company that shows any less than the highest level of integrity. Since there is a wealth of competitive companies easily available and accessible via the Internet, there is in fact no need to accept anything less than the best.

Where Does Integrity Start?

In an effort to build upon a foundation of integrity, the first requirement would be to establish excellent rapport with clients. Based on many years of study, the best and most practiced method for achieving rapport is by way of Relationship Marketing. Just as it sounds, Relationship Marketing is founded on the single and most critical characteristic, known as "Integrity." However, achieving true integrity with clients often leaves many an entrepreneur bewildered, grasping for techniques and strategies that guarantee their futures. But integrity is not something that can be grasped and then simply used. Integrity in its essence must be so ingrained within the nature of an individual, its company and the team members, that it remains steadfast no matter what. Without question, others sense it and find it very attractive.

The True Nature of Integrity!

Now you are probably asking yourself, what is the true nature of integrity? There are in fact some very basic principles that surround the qualities of business integrity. At its core, integrity begins with a company leader who understands the qualities of integrity which then filters down throughout the company into every department and every member's approach and attitude.

In recent research performed by the Institute of Business Ethics- an organization which is among the world's leaders in promoting corporate ethical best practices, it was found that companies displaying a "clear commitment to ethical conduct" almost invariably outperform companies that do not display ethical conduct. The Director of the Institute of Business Ethics, Philippa Foster Black, stated: "Not only is ethical behavior in the business world the right and principled thing to do, but it has been proven that ethical behavior pays off in financial returns." These findings deserve to be considered as an important tool for companies striving for long-term prospects and growth.

The following 7 Principles of Business Integrity are the basics of integrity and a good starting off place to consider. By integrating each of these principles within a company environment, the result will be nothing short of a major rebirth of the enterprise.

Principle #1 Recognize that customers/clients want to do business with a company they can trust; when trust is at the core of a company, it is easy to recognize. Trust defined is assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of a business.

Principle #2 For continuous improvement of a company, the leader of an organization must be willing to open up to ideas for betterment. Ask for opinions and feedback from both customers and team members and your company will continue to grow.

Principle #3 Regardless of the circumstances, do everything in your power to gain the trust of past customer's and clients, particularly if something has gone awry. Do what you can to reclaim any lost business by honoring all commitments and obligations.

Principle #4 Re-evaluate all print materials including small business advertising, brochures and other business documents making sure they are clear, precise and professional; most important make sure they do not misrepresent or misinterpret.

Principle #5 Remain involved in community-related issues and activities thereby demonstrating that your business is a responsible community contributor. In other words, stay involved.

Principle #6 Take a hands-on approach in regard to accounting and record keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better feel for the progress of your company, but as a resource for any "questionable " activities; gaining control of accounting and record keeping allows you to end any dubious activities promptly.

Principle #7 Treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of differences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of distinctions, always treat others with professional respect and courtesy.

While it is most certainly an integral and positive step for a small business to recognize the significance of integrity as a tool for achieving its desired outcomes, that is only the beginning. What must truly be recognized for true success is that while certain precise universal principles lead to business integrity, it is in the overall mindset of the company and the unfailing implementation of these key elements that an enterprise is truly defined. A small business that instills a deep-seated theme of integrity within its strategies and policies will not only be evident among customers, associates and partners, but its overall influence cannot help but to result in a profitable, successful company. By recognizing the value of integrity, and following each of the aforementioned 7 principles for achieving integrity, your success cannot be far off.

I hope you as a reader, will visit these advertisers. They deserve your business.

Our projects are nearly done (For this year.). There are contractors we will recommend and ones we will not. And I do not think that you will see advertisers here who we know to have willingly taken advantage of clients or in our case, be unwilling to resolve issues or problems they have caused. We hope that you will let us know of your experiences.

Valley Photofied New for you!

TRY OUR AUCTIONS FOR FREE!
We have put in new auction software. We are offering this service to you for FREE. Visit our ww.photofieds.com site and let us know what you think.

Google and You-
We have had a tremendous increase in web traffic. A redesign on our Photofieds and a Google search every 3-5 days has brought tremendous volume in a few categories, which include Antiques, Motorcycles and Classic Cars. This is good news for those who sell in those categories, but more importantly bring a lot of traffic to the site. The Google pick up is so good, we have developed some special packages to take advantage of our success in this category. Those that are looking to tap the internet will do well to review them. This month we were visited by over 10 new search engines.

NEW Green Living category. In this time of saving money to get ahead, Green is not only ecologically sound, but will save you money. If you are a GREEN Business, please call us.

Special Packages for Commercial Accounts-
Because of the success of our Photofied advertising (Photo Classifieds) in conjunction with the search engines, we have made 3 Special packages available. It is a 60 day online and 8 weeks in print.

• Car dealers-
• 1 car $50 for 2 MONTHS
• This will include up to 5 pics (Only 1 pic in print)  for online and 30 words of text.
• Buy 4 and get 1 FREE
• Real Estate Brokers-
• 1 house $100 for 2 MONTHS
• This will include up to 5 pics (Only 1 pic in print)  for online and 50 words of text.
• Buy 4 and get 1 FREE!
• Furniture-Antique Dealers-Stores, etc.
• 1 piece $50 for 2 MONTHS
• This will include up to 5 pics (Only 1 pic in print) for online and 30 words of text.
• Buy 4 and get 1 FREE!

4th Quarter Packages-
See our $49/$99 packages listed in this issue.

News from Black River Tribune-
Leo Graham and editor,Steve Seitz, of the Black River Tribune, continues to bring current local news posted to our site.

Political advertising-
We have posted special rates for the upcoming political season. If you are a candidate or working with one, please call us.

Our New Contest is in this issue.
The Birthday Contest starts in this issue. If your birth date shows up, contact us with the date and the ad. Your name will be entered into our Gift Certificate Contest. These Gift Certificates will come from local businesses. If your name is drawn, bring proof of birth date and collect your Gift Certificate. We have great gift certificates. Advertisers interested in this program, call us.

Promotion of Valley Photofieds-
We continue to promote the Valley Photofieds through local radio and the internet. Every day we run advertising, telling people about your Photofied ads, and where to pick up our paper.

As we enter foliage season and the upcoming Holiday Season, it is our desire to help you successfully promote your business. We will be increasing the number of papers distributed, the number of locations and the quality of our internet promotion, as well add new features and benefits for you.