I was disheartened by the Sept. 19 story, “Grocery store planned for old Fred Meyer site,” which said the store could “result in bringing groceries to a Vancouver neighborhood that has sorely lacked access to fresh foods.” I wasn’t surprised a new business was attempting to locate there, but I was shocked that the paper failed to recognize the St. John’s IGA store that has served the area almost 30 years.
As a small business owner with almost 20 employees, we serve surrounding neighborhoods with pride. From our support of local organizations to employees who live in the neighborhood, we work to build trust with the city and our customers.
When one local business owner spends money at another local business, it has a multiplier effect on the local economy. Money spent locally stays local. By contrast, much of the money spent at Walmart is sent to its headquarters in Bentonville, Ark.
While I believe in the free market and competition, it has become increasingly difficult to compete on a level playing field with multinational corporations. Vancouver needs to protect and promote our local business owners and it starts with The Columbian recognizing the businesses that are already there.