FREE SPEECH ZONE | Economic sustainability begins within your own neighborhood

Most of us are familiar with the term “shop local” as a way to bolster economic activity within one’s community. And, most of us think “retail shopping” when it comes to local.

In a recent Letter to The Editor in the Minneapolis Star Tribune (Sat., Nov. 17, 2012), it was noted “Studies say that $68 of every $100 (spent) stay in your community when you shop at independent local stores, vs. $43 when you shop with a national chain. If you’re concerned about the economy, shopping local is putting the money where your mouth is”.

What can be missed is the ever expanding number of professional local home-based businesses in this equation.

How many of your neighbors do you know that work professionally from home? More than one or two on your very own block might be a good wager.

Lake Harriet Professionals, www.lakeharrietprofessionals.com, is a marketing cooperative, referral and networking organization created to support the home-based business owner and to draw neighborhood attention to this great resource right near your doorstep. We are a year-old organization, expanding into a 5 mile radius around the Minneapolis Lakes Area. Since we are focused on community, we will never expand to an area larger than this. However, we will continue to grow larger in terms of membership and neighbors who shop and benefit from our expert services.

The economics of our times continue to lean toward corporate and mid-size business downsizing. People are living longer and are healthier. The baby boomer generation (and younger generations) are realizing that they can take their professions to a more personal level of service and expertise or even begin a second career. Many are also realizing that they can become entrepreneurs at what they have most loved to do their entire lives.

So besides, economic sustainability within your neighborhoods, why shop local home-based businesses?

• There is little if any red tape and no middle man, hence competitive pricing.
• We are passionate about our work or we wouldn’t do it.
• We have greater freedom in terms of our time commitment and can create what works best for you.
• We live and work in your communities and we’re your neighbors.
• We are part of a culture where the paradigm is shifting toward grassroots ingenuity and professionalism.

Lake Harriet Professionals meets on the 1st Thursday of the month at noon in the Linden Hills Co-op events room. We currently have about 25 members. Feel free to stop in and check out our energy and creativity. Also, to find our members, check our web site, www.lakeharrietprofessionals.com.

The first Annual Professional Home-Based Business Expo and Workshop Series will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at Lake Harriet Spiritual Center (44th & Upton). Contact Director Liz Loney, at LLoney77@aol.com or 612-922-9150 for more information.