Lots of reflection today on here, with the closing of Marions Francis Brothers. For 77 years, Brothers occupied that corner of downtown, and I dare say theres hardly a building or home in Smyth County that does not have a good deal of Francis Brothers Hardware in it. And none of us can say Robert hasnt earned a long and enjoyable retirement - in fact, Im sure we all wish him well as we will miss the gang downtown. But with their closing, the comments and thoughts of how well have to go to Abingdon or Wytheville to get a light switch or a box of nails are running just as strong as the heartbreak of losing our anchor. So lets take a moment to think. Every time we go out of town to buy furniture, dine out, whatever, were taking money that other neighbors could be using to stay in business. The more we shop local, spend our money at mom and pop shops, support independent businesses, the more opportunity they have to keep the doors open. And the more doors that stay open, the less likely we are to have to go out of town for those other things in the future. And the better local businesses do, the more attractive a community becomes to even more new businesses! Its not hard. We choose with our pocketbooks. Either we support our neighbors whenever and however and as often as we can, or we resign ourselves to driving a half hour for a hammer today, a kitchen table or a wedding dress or flowers or dinner tomorrow. I know we cant always find sizes, selection, etc right at home. But we can find most of it here. Im just asking us all to recommit to finding as much as we can here in Marion, in Smyth County, before venturing forth and carrying the lifeblood of our neighbors businesses to the next county. Lets celebrate our small businesses everyday, not just when they close their doors for the last time. The Francis Brothers built their business on customer service and community. I think we owe them that. Grid bless Robert and the gang. And thank you, every small business owner, employee, and the families that support you. Without each of you, there is no community. Francis Brothers were wonderful teachers of that simple principle for seven decades. And Im so proud to gave learned from the best.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:40:56 +0000
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