Support Your Local Businesses

52Tips

Buying local can be fun, easy and cost-effectivel! 

To make the switch to buying in Blair County even easier we've compiled a list of tips to help you on your way.  Below is a tip for every week of the year.  Got your own tip?  We'd love to hear it so we can share it with the rest of the Buy Here. Live Here. community!  Drop us a line and let us know how you support local businesses.

1. Go local with your big ticket items such as tires, appliances, vehicles and furniture to have a bigger impact.
2. Purchase gas and snacks before you leave the county on a trip.
3. Use local healthcare providers and pharmacists.
4. Buy your produce at a local farmers’ market or farm stand.
5. Take a “staycation”.  Blair County has great hotels, water-parks and campgrounds.
6. Shop Blair County first. Look locally to meet your needs before choosing to go somewhere else.
7. Look for the websites of local vendors when shopping online.
8. Take advantage of local recreational activities: movies, golf courses, swimming, and parks are all available in Blair County. Invite your friends from other communities to join you!
9. Give locally. There are many local non-profits that rely on local donors for a bulk of their revenues.
10. Attend and partake in the food and fun of local festivals, fairs and events.
11. Grocery shop at our local stores.
12. Take advantage of our local restaurants and movie theaters for your date night.
13. Use a local café or restaurant for your family celebrations.
14. If you commute out of the county for work, stop at our grocery stores and gas stations rather than those away from home.
15. Buy school supplies from a Blair County retailer.
16. Look to local suppliers for your office supply and marketing needs.
17. Build or renovate your home with local contractors.
18. Decorate your home with local purchases.
19. Celebrate the holidays by supporting local businesses: Christmas trees, Halloween pumpkins, and Easter eggs.
20. Gift certificates to local businesses are never out of style.
21. Buy your services locally: satellite services, computer services, accounting services, legal services.
22. Treat your family to locally purchased gifts.
23. Support our local school districts with your attendance at their arts and athletic events.
24. Purchase or subscribe to local newspapers.
25. Double your impact. Ask your employer to match your local donations.
26. Save locally. Manage your finances with our local financial institutions.
27. Use a local insurance agent.
28. Stay healthy. Join a local fitness center.
29. Purchase your recreation equipment such as tennis shoes, bicycles, bowling balls, and other sports equipment in Blair County.
30. Fix it locally. Use local plumbers, electricians, repairmen, and mechanics.
31. Buy and sell real estate with local agents.
32. Adopt your pet locally.
33. Use a local veterinarian and groomer to care for your furry family members.
34. If you don’t think you can find it locally, ask around. You will be surprised at what is available in Blair County.
35. Advertise locally. Local newspapers and radio stations reach local audiences.
36. Purchase pet supplies locally.
37. Purchase vision services, glasses and contacts at local eye clinics.
38. Use local landscapers and greenhouses for lawn improvements.
39. Use a local barber or salon.
40. Unwind and de-stress locally. Manicures, ice cream and massages are all available in Blair County!
41. Restock locally. Use local stores to meet the basic needs of your family: toilet paper, soap and toothpaste.
42. Celebrate locally. Local bowling alleys, water-parks and pizza places are great for birthday parties!
43. Use local dentists for a healthy smile!
44. Blair County has a variety of local chiropractors to choose from.
45. Too tired to make that birthday cake? Local Blair County bakeries can help you prepare for a party!
46. Celebrate your wedding or anniversary at a local community hall, conference center, hotel or park.
47. Local meats are great for your family cookouts.
48. Buy unique Blair County products such as chocolates, wine, and items made or processed right here in our communities.
49. Volunteer locally. Support local organizations with your time and talents.
50. Local florists can help you share your feelings with your loved ones.
51. Visit The Blair Country Chamber of Commerce to find out what local businesses have to offer.
52. Stock up for your picnics locally with snacks and sandwich fixings.