A nonprofit called Local First Utah has launched a "Love Your Locals" Valentine's Day gift guide in hopes that it will help Utah residents to keep their dollars local and support local businesses, especially as many of those businesses are still struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The gift guide features more than 30 businesses, ranging from book stores to florists, offering a special Valentine's Day deal, reported KSL.
Executive Director of Local First Utah Kristen Lavelett stated, "Doing business with locals purchasing from locals, or using local service providers helps strengthen and stabilize our local economy. Really what you're doing as a Utahn when you buy from an independent business, you are ensuring your own quality of life because communities with vibrant independent businesses have a higher quality of life."
For every dollar spent at a local business, 55% of the profits stay in the state and recirculate throughout the local economy. According to Lavelett, the profits also support jobs in the area and local businesses are more likely to give back to their community through charity events.
This is the second installment of the Valentine's Day gift guide, and the group hope to continue growing it every year.
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