The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

A Lesson in Loyalty

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

12 January 2005

After last week's letter to the editor from Bob Lionberger reprimanding La Harpe School for purchasing computers out of town without shopping locally first, we were all reminded of the power that we have in helping our local business community survive. It depends on us.

We each play an important role in our communities even if we do not own a business ourselves. And we all have been guilty of shopping in other places for things we can purchase at home, and we should become more aware of the damage that does to our local businesses.

One businessman sent the cartoon you see on this page entitled "Thrift City" which he had saved since the 1930s. It shows that when businesses and residents support each other within a community, they become a strong link that is not easily broken by outside interests. When we are loyal to our community, we spend our dollars in our home town. Then we will see how the dollars will benefit our own personal interests in many ways.

It is true of our service organizations as well. Each time we support the ambulance or fire departments, the Lions, American Legion, or Masons, churches and other service organizations, they become stronger and better and we are making our communities a better place to live. Tax money increases as well and returns to us in our schools, libraries, fire and police departments, and better roads. And, with a strong community, the value of our homes will increase as well.

Mistakes are part of life, but we shouldn't dwell on them but turn them into opportunities for growth and an improved life.