On Monday, we inserted the Shop Local coupon booklet into The Tribune. Those local business coupons will also be available as a part of our May 5, 12, and 19 issues.

The coupon books are sponsored by Ironton aLive. Why are these coupons so important you may ask? Our answer is that shopping locally in Lawrence County is vital to our economy.

As previously editorialized, 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.

Lawrence County is lucky to have many unique, local businesses.

Have you ever stopped to think how your area Little League teams would support themselves without the amazing sponsorship of local businesses? What about clubs, plays, science fairs, and the list goes on and on.

Think of all the locally owned businesses that donate time and money to to our community.

Locally owned businesses are passionate about what they do.They are your friends and neighbors. You know them and they you. You grew up with them.

They order items that are specific to you. Think of the local business knowledge and resources that we have within only a few miles of our homes. We need to work hard to support them.

Where we shop, where we eat and where we have fun — all of it makes our community home. Please shop local.