The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce provided a wonderful service to both the community and member businesses last Wednesday evening when it hosted the “Shop Local for the Holidays” event. The affair was just what this community needed to help get everyone together for an evening of fun and goodwill.

Community members were introduced to businesses they did not know existed and made contact with those they may not have visited recently. Business members were put into a situation where they got to know other businesses they perhaps cannot frequent as much as they would like because they work the same hours.

If that was not enough, the “shop local” theme is the very message to which EVERYONE in the community needs to adhere. It might seem to cost a little more to spend money in Carroll County and it might seem like there is only a small selection of gifts and purchases available here, but the Chamber debunked both of those myths with one fell swoop! The event was simple, it was easy, and it was fun.

Congratulations to event organizers and Chamber members.

Now keep our communities thriving – shop your local merchants first!