In the past month, Neosho has been victim to several businesses closing their doors for good.
Is it a sign of the times, or something more?
There is no question every dollar is being stretched thin as our nation comes to grips with what some are calling “The Great Recession.”
People are sticking more to their budgets, and are spending less money on entertainment and other extra-curricular activities.
This is not a Neosho problem alone.
In the past months, we have watched three restaurants — Richardson’s Restaurant and Pub, Napoli’s and Shorty’s — all turn off their ovens and close their doors.
Also during that time, we learned that Brass Eagle would cease its Neosho operation in February, affecting approximately 60 employees.
Is there anything we can do to stop this trend? All we can do is to make sure that we support our local businesses and industries as much as possible.
I know I made an attempt more than ever before to shop as local as possible during this past Christmas season.
I felt it was my responsibility to do so.
Did you do the same?
Go see a movie at the Neosho 6 Cinema instead of driving to Joplin. The cinema just installed a digital projector that will show 3-D movies, and the management there is excited about offering that service to its patrons.
There are still several great dining choices in Neosho, whether you enjoy American, Chinese, Thai or Mexican cuisine. Stay in town to have a night out with dinner and a movie instead of driving north to Joplin, or south to Northwest Arkansas.
Now, I will be the first to admit that I enjoy “getting away” from time to time. It is nice to try new restaurants, and escape the norm of home, but if we make an effort to “spend local” at least more than 50 percent of the time, we can make a difference. I am a realist, and I don’t expect everyone to shop local all the time. All I do ask is that when we can shop local, we make an effort to do so.
There are many great small-business owners in this community who do awesome things that keep our town going. There are many businesses in Neosho that offer unique services in our community.
There are many great business owners who volunteer to run concession stands at athletic events. They help sponsor activities with their own money and time helping local charities or special public events. They make a difference in our community by volunteering on boards or service clubs that champion causes for Neosho. There are also many great citizens, who are not tied to the business community, who volunteer their own time and money to champion causes, serve on community boards and participate in civic clubs and who I consider to be true community assets. Without any of these local community leaders, our town would not be what it is today.
No one gets a positive vibe from seeing businesses close in our community. It tends to happen too often.
Let’s do what we can to make sure this trend reverses itself sooner than later.
Rick Rogers is the publisher of the Daily News.
