And so it starts

This blog was inspired by the great people in Lansdale, PA who started the group "Citizens for the Revitalization of Lansdale."  And in particular, by one response from resident Chris Flyzik.  She said, in part, "I firmly believe you get the town you support. You want a Round Guys - you go there. You want a restaurant, a hardware store, a florist, a bakery, a gift shop - you go, you spend a few bucks there. You want a First Friday, Farmers Market, events? You go, you bring your friends and every once in a while you donate or ask how you can help and get involved."

You get the town you support.

It couldn't be said more simply.  Everyone wants great stores and restaurants.  But unless you actually shop in the existing businesses, you have no hope for a revitalized town.

So today starts my journey in documenting my patronage of local businesses.  I expect there to be posts about great businesses.  Perhaps some that are less than great.  Some posts about missed opportunities - when I shopped outside our borough when there were places I could have gone in town.

And I'm sure there will be posts about shopping trips outside the borough because there was nothing in town that had what I needed.

I'm putting my money in my town.  And ask you to join in and do the same!