{"id":357795,"date":"2021-12-17T06:05:22","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T20:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=357795"},"modified":"2021-12-17T06:05:22","modified_gmt":"2021-12-16T20:05:22","slug":"buying-locally-from-small-businesses-helps-to-support-local-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/buying-locally-from-small-businesses-helps-to-support-local-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying locally from small businesses helps to support local jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
JOE GUERRERO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I am grateful that our small business, the Naked Fish Bar and Grill, has grown successfully in the past 17 years. However, when the pandemic struck in March 2020, our business suffered the most when safety protocols were put in place to help mitigate COVID-19. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, small businesses also continue to suffer.<\/p>\n

With COVID protocols and safety measures in place, we have learned to navigate through this new way of living and have changed our approach to things. Respect, patience, and cooperation go a long way as we adapt to the government\u2019s health and safety requirements. We also know that if we work together as a community, we can get through anything.<\/p>\n

I would like to thank our customers and the community for their continued support. Your patronage means so much to a small business. We appreciate how your hard-earned dollars have helped us through one of the most challenging periods of our time.<\/p>\n

I encourage all of us to continue to purchase locally for the holidays. Vote with your dollar to help local businesses to stay open and keep our people employed. Before going online to shop at corporate sites, consider buying something similar from a local shop. Let\u2019s also consider buying from our village stores, businesses who regularly donate to community fundraisers, local fish stands or artists who make local handcrafts. You\u2019ll be helping your friends and neighbors in a big way.<\/p>\n

This is one of the many reasons why I fully support the Governor\u2019s Council of Economic Advisers\u2019 Marianas Village Pride campaign. GCEA underscores the importance of being good neighbors and improving the quality of life at the village level. MVP promotes a closer sense of community that we can all appreciate and get behind.<\/p>\n

As we head into the holidays, I welcome fellow businesses to join GCEA\u2019s holiday beautification efforts and join the Christmas Decorating Contest. I\u2019ve already seen many small and corporate businesses put up their Christmas decorations, lighting up the mood for those who pass by. However, if you can\u2019t put up lights or trees, spread Christmas cheer and Hafa Adai and Tirow spirit instead. It\u2019ll go a long way for your customers!<\/p>\n

We must never lose hope that our community will return to better days. In the meantime, let\u2019s look for small ways to help out each other. It\u2019s been a tough two years, but we can count our blessings. I\u2019m most grateful for my family, friends, and the relationships I have built within our community. Their continuous support has been a true gift this holiday season.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit the GCEA at cnmieconomy.com, on Facebook and Instagram (@cnmigov.economy), or contact them at gceacnmi@gmail.com.<\/em><\/p>\n

***
\nJoe Guerrero is the co-owner of Naked Fish Bar & Grill and president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. Guerrero also serves as a member of the Fiscal Economic Diversification Committee of the Governor\u2019s Council of Economic Advisers. As SCC president, Guerrero believes in building a stronger Marianas where its business community works together to make each island better for all. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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