By Erica Crawford
I recently came across an article titled “Why Local Matters,” published online in 2011 by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. The message that I received loud and clear from this article was that towns and cities with locally-owned businesses in them create communities that are more prosperous, entrepreneurial, and better connected.
In these three months walking the commercial districts and dropping in on the businesses of Morro Bay, I have been reflecting on that message. So many of the shops, hotels, stores, restaurants, and offices I have visited are owned locally, and employ local people.
They feature diverse goods and services, sold in diverse methods and manners. Their stores are located in varied locations, with unique challenges and opportunities. And for all of the diversity within our “business ecosystem,” there is a genuine authenticity in each of the city’s 1,400 licensed, and based in Morro Bay businesses.
The 1,400 businesses include brick-and-mortar, home-based, vacation rentals, transient vendors, real estate, and more, and all business licenses in Morro Bay where the business is also based in Morro Bay.
Each month, the Chamber staff and Board of Directors select one Morro Bay business to recognize as “Business of the Month.” In April, the Chamber proudly recognizes a member business with a demonstrated capacity to push limits, to try new things, and to grow.
Sunshine Health Foods and Shine Café, in operation since 1973, and under new ownership since 2006, is expanding this month into a neighboring storefront. Supplements and vitamins will be sold exclusively in this new space, giving the grocery store additional space to bring in more locally grown produce.
This expansion will also add a new full time employee to their payroll. Be sure to stop in and meet Tim Vaughn, who brings more than 30 years of vitamin experience to the team.
In a Pacific Coast Business Times article published in 2015 and titled, “Morro Bay Gets Down to Business,” the question of how Morro Bay is going to sustain itself for the next 50 years was explored. Strengthening the local economy was one answer. And the Chamber proudly recognizes Sunshine Health Foods for expanding its offerings to the community. Kudos for adding staff, too!
The business community that I have been getting to know most certainly has some of the tools in the toolbox that this community will need over the next 5, 10, 20 and 50 years. Let your Chamber of Commerce connect you to business resources that will ensure successful economic development for Morro Bay’s future, while keeping it local.
Finally, an announcement — Don’t miss the Chamber’s first mixer of 2016 on Friday, April 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Join us at 1000 Main Street to celebrate three new Chamber members — Yoga Center of Morro Bay (host), Ray of Light Massage (food), and Libertine Brewing — as they cohost this cooperative mixer. Guess who’s bringing the beverages?!
Erica Crawford is the CEO of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached via email at: [email protected] or call 772-4467 weekdays.