THE SAVVY SHOPPER
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
What is The 3/50 Project? It's a nationwide, grass-roots effort to promote shopping locally by committing to select three locally-owned businesses and spend $50 cumulatively at those businesses during a month's time. That equates to $600 a year. The project does not ask you to fore go the Wal-Marts or other big box businesses in the area, but to consciously commit to supporting the locals as well.
According to a 2009 US Labor Dept. report, if half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain or big box store, only $43 stays in Rutherford County and if you spend in online, nothing comes home!
For more information about this program, feel free to check it out at www.the3/50project.net.
Now, start thinking about which three Rutherford County locally-owned businesses you will support this month - and let the shopping begin!
Just remember - Pick 3. Spend 50. Save our local economy! Pass the word.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Lots of activities going on in our county this week, so let's get started.
* The Small Business Center at Isothermal Community College is offering evening seminars on various topics.
Understanding Tax Requirements for Your Business - Wednesday, March 17th
How to Find Grants - Thursday, March 11th
How to Write a Grant - Thursday, March 25th
For more information, times and costs of these seminars, please contact Dee Spurlin at 828.286.3636, ext. 229 or e-mail her at dspurlin@isothermal.edu
* Tomorrow night, March 9th, at The Foundation Performing Arts Center located at ICC, the production of the Church Basement Ladies will be performed. There are two show timers, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Cost of tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for youth. Join them for a great time of fun and laughter!
*Saturday, March 13th, Trinity Christian School will hold its indoor YARD SALE from 7-12 pm. This is a "rain or shine" event and will be set up in the school gym. Trinity Christian School is located at 299 Deter Street in Rutherfordton.
*The Rutherford County Arts Council will present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, on Saturday, March 20th at 7:00 pm at the Foundation Performing Arts Center. Call the box office for details on ticket prices, etc.
Now let's update recent businesses who have moved to different locations.
First, the Salvation Army has relocated to the building behind the DMV office on Duke Street. Their grand opening was last Friday and business has been booming!
The Rutherford County Visual Arts Center has a new home next to the Chamber of Commerce in the building that housed the former Finders Keepers consignment shop. With more room, the store has a large selection of merchandise created by local artisians and also more room for classes.
Enjoy the sunshine and warmth!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Take that special someone to dinner at one of our great local restaurants! M Squared in Spindale is offering Valentine specials both Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to make reservations now as seating is limited. In celebration of their 4th Anniversay, Courtside is celebrating Valentine's with a 2 for $22.22 special which includes 2 ribeyes, 2 all you can eat salad bars and 2 drinks! This special is good Friday and Saturday Feb. 12 and 13th! If you want something more simplistic and all-American, try Doozie Dogs for the best in hot dogs! New to the county, they are the "Home of the Dogzilla" and will be open Valentine's Dog from 12-6 pm with free sweet tea for your sweetie!
Perhaps you're looking for a unique gift for your loved one - why not check the just arrived merchandise at Spindale Drug Company. They have everything from gourmet boxed chocolates , candles, jewelry, and silver to gift certificates to Broad River Coffee. They will even wrap your gifts for free!! In Forest City at It's All in the Bag, specials include BOGO on their beautiful Pashmina scarves and 15% off all jewelry and fragrances.
Many your Valentine is a bookworm - well tonight's the night to shop for books! Stop by Fireside Books & Gifts this evening and meet Southern author Amy Greene. She will be on hand for a reception and book reading of her debut novel Bloodroot,which is a multi-generational saga set in the heart of Appalachia about the legacies of magic and madness, faith and secrets, passion and heartbreak that one family wrestles with across the generations, from the Great Depression to present day. What a great gift this would make!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
*Start small, tackle something like a kitchen or dresser drawer. Dump the contents of the drawer into a box. Every time you use an item, transfer the item from the box to the drawer. At the end of a month, see what items you actually use. Those you don't, put in a bag or box for charity.
* Tired of all those catalogs that come in the mail? - Go to catalogchoice.org and cancel them for free.
*Each time you buy a new book, give one away. Look for local bookstores who offer book trades - bring one in and take one home with you. This works for CDs, kids' toys and other collectibles.
*I thought this idea was particularly clever - hang all your clothes with the hangers facing one way. After weraring a garment, replace it with the hanger turned the other way. This trick will help you what clothes are worth keeping.
* Get the family involved with your project - set aside 10 minutes each evening and give family members two trash bags - one for trash & one for items to go to charity; have them go room to room and fill those bags up!
*We all love to hang on to sentimental things because they remind us of special people, events or accomplishments. Find ways to remember without the clutter - keep pictures and articles in scrapbooks or albums, use shadow boxes to show off theater tickets or corsages, or keep your memories alive by keeping a written journal of your memories!
Just remember Mess is Stress!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
And don't miss the live radio interview Friday morning at 8:35 am with Nicole Seitz during the Jim Bishop Morning Show on WCAB 590 AM.