This week, we mark the celebration of the birth of our nation on Independence Day, but across the nation, chambers of commerce and other local business alliances are also celebrating Independents Week.
Independents Week recognizes the thousands of small-business owners who exemplify the importance of keeping towns unique. It’s a celebration of entrepreneurism and individuality and how local businesses and goods provide a sense of place for a given community.
It’s a national movement, one in which communities are rallying behind their independent businesses and keeping local economies thriving. In Washington, Mayor Archie Jennings has signed a proclamation outlining the importance of independent business owners.
But all residents of Beaufort County have a stake in this celebration. In Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Chocowinity, Pantego, Washington and Washington Park, by shopping locally and supporting independent business owners, we shape our towns’ futures — the same towns that, year after year, provide our Independence Day celebrations.
This Fourth of July, we can help celebrate independence in more ways than a patriotic display of colors. We can celebrate independents and contribute to the economic health of the unique towns, and people, of Beaufort County.
And why shouldn’t we do that? After all, what could possibly more American than independents?