The whole is only as strong & complete as its supporting parts.  A smooth running machine only operates well when all its components are maintained and serviced.  A community will only continue to prosper as long as all of  its fabric is constantly strengthened.  The three elements are the identification, action & result of a community supported commerce.  By just thinking about the businesses in our town that we are fortunate to have is time well spent for everyone.

3 is just a starting point.  It can be three or even thirty three community businesses that we each can identify that would be  true losses if they were not able to remain in operation.  Not only would we lose the ability to quickly run uptown to buy that one item we need but we would also lose their financial support to our special interest groups.  Ever asked for support to a golf tournament and been turned down by any community business?   Think about that little extra effort that was done the last time we needed a little extra help;  staying open a little later so we can pick up that one item to finish the project or get to the social gathering with the clean suit.  How about the knowledge of the staff  who has first hand experience with the item or has read the book you are looking for?  How about the time they let you borrow the item instead of buying it for that quick fix or really listened to you when you felt the price of an item was out of line, or when the purchased item failed and they took it back with no questions asked?  More importantly is the fact that we can talk with the owner of the business almost any time and they will say ‘Thank you, we appreciate your business’. These are just a few threads of our community fabric which makes our town so special.  I am sure you can think of your own experiences that bring a smile to your face.

50 dollars, 200 quarters, 500 dimes, 1000 nickels or 5000 pennies sure is not a lot when compared to the big picture of our financial month.  By just spending $50 a month in our local community we are investing in the future of our town.  Buying an extra coffee, filling up our car’s gas tank or being sure our medical prescriptions are filled in town assures us that these businesses will be around for another day.  It is just like that penny jar we all have on our bureau that we add the pocket change to every day.  Over time those little increments add up to a huge contribution.  By investing in our community’s businesses we are investing in ourselves and our town’s fabric is staying strong.

68 may just seem like a number but in this example it is the amount from 100 that is returned directly and indirectly to our community.  Through taxes, payroll and other expenditures of our businesses $68 of each $100 purchase stays here.  In addition to this, think about the fact the bank deposits of independently, locally owned businesses are kept in the local banking system so they can use the money for mortgages, personal loans & local investing.  Now think amount the money trail of a national chain: their nightly deposits are sent right away to the corporate office, where ever that might be, but most likely not in the town where the store operates.  So nothing is left behind for the banker to use in our community.  Pretty grim tale.  Buying online ?….enough said.

1 is the number of persons needed to keep the momentum of this concept going.  Community Strength involves all of us;  Consumers, fellow Businesses, Institutions and Municipalities are all in this together.  So next time we are writing a product requisition or looking for a little help think about our town’s quilt.   By supporting our independently owned business our community’s  fabric will remain and continue to be strong & healthy.

Pick 3.  Spend 50.  Support our local economy.  Join the project today.

Want to learn more???    www.the350project.net        Tell them New London sent you

MAD DOG Primer is a revolutionary, low VOC  paint preparation product designed for problem areas and applications with challenges.  It’s Weather Smart technology allows it to be applied to many surfaces in many conditions under a broad range of extreme repair.  The primer is tint-able, water clean-up, breathable and very, very flexible.  Look at web site  www.maddogprimer.com  for full details.  Stop by to discuss this new product with our sales staff.  It will save you time.

For all wood, boat and construction repairs and fills  WEST SYSTEM epoxy is the professional product of choice.  Come see the full line of fillers, hardeners and tools available  here at Clarke’s Hardware.

As warmer weather approaches it is time to set up the deck and check out the grill.  More importantly, be sure to review the condition of your propane tank as well as its date of manufacture.

For safety, always keep propane tanks in an upright position and they should not be transported or stored in an enclosed area.  Damaged tanks and expired tanks can not be refilled

Look them over for any dents, gouges corrosion, rust or bulges.  Propane tanks only have a useful life of twelve years before they need to be replaced.  Be sure to check the manufactured date located on the collar of the tank.  Any tanks that were made prior to this current month in 1999 can no longer be filled.

Respecting the properties and dangers of propane fuel will lead to the safe use and handling of it.  Enjoy the summer but play it safe when cooking with propane.

As a member of our Website & Facebook community you are receiving this early notice of the April specials.  Let these values start your spring projects off right.  Priced right with additional rebates to even save more.  Stop by soon.

Let’s let the thaw of March start our spring thinking off right.  Laurie has pulled together a full selection of garden goodies that are sure to have your home  seedlings ready for the warm weather of Spring.  Quantities are not limited and these prices will hold the for the entire month.  See you soon

Here is our new website TAG from Microsoft.  Now you can check in with us anytime from any where that you have your smart phone. Get the free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi. So very cool.