This Valentine’s Day show your “local love” — love for your sweetie and your whole community — by purchasing gifts (or gift-making supplies) and meals (or ingredients) at locally owned businesses.   Last year, Americans spent $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day.  Imagine if we shifted some of that spending to locally owned businesses!

Locally owned businesses offer us much to love.  They strengthen our local economy, culture and wellbeing. Independent businesses re-circulate four times more money in our community than chain stores.  Moreover, studies show that most new jobs are created by small businesses — meaning today’s local Valentines are tomorrow’s jobs.

Here are some extra special ways to show your local love this Valentine’s Day:

• Valentine’s Day Beer and Cookies: Check out this V-Day themed cookie decorating class with Keene Cookie Company at Frogg Brewing in Swanzey on February 13, 6-8 pm.
  
• Experience a romantic dinner at The Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy on February 13 at 6 p.m. Reservations are required.
• Make a date at The Colonial Theatre in Keene: Dirty Dancing at 7 pm on the big screen and Headliners Comedy Club at Showroom starts at 8 pm.
  
• Send a Singing Valentine from the Keene Cheshiremen Chorus.  A 4-part a cappella will sing live (and by surprise) to your sweetie on February 14.
  

So, show lots of local love this Valentine’s Day, and the love will circle back to you, your loved ones and — best of all — your entire community.