It makes you sad when you learn a local business is closing. Henthorn’s Cleaners announced last week that it is closing. Henthorn’s Cleaners has been in business for 117 years. They will still be open to do alterations, but we need to really think about working harder to spend our money local. Our businesses need us and we need them.

According to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, if you shop local, more of your hard earned money will stay within the community. For every $100 you spend locally, $68 will stay within the community.

What does this mean? Local businesses create jobs for your neighbors. Local businesses mean a stronger tax base, which in turn means better public services like schools, transportation, and the essential emergency response personnel for your family.

Locally-owned businesses donate time and money to every community. Have you ever stopped to think how your area sports booster clubs, math and science teams, and the Girl Scout troops would support themselves without the amazing sponsorship of local businesses?

Locally-owned businesses give you better choices. They pick the items and products they sell based on what they know you like and want. They carry a wid­er array of unique products because they buy for their own individual customer base.

Locally owned businesses are passionate about what they do.They are your friends and neighbors, and they have a vested interest in knowing how to better serve you.

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun — all of it makes our community feel like home. Let’s celebrate it! Our one-of-a-kind businesses are an integral part of the distinctive character of this place. It’s what distinguishes a city, a town, a village. Ironton is lucky to have quite a few unique, local businesses. Please let’s all work hard to support them.