A competitor in town recently announced that they were closing their doors. Anytime this happens it’s a sad day.
It is the loss of a fellow graphic design agency. It is the loss of a fellow small business. It is a loss of a contributor to the community. Any way you look at it, it is a loss.
This is no start-up business that just didn’t make it. The company had been in business since 1991. The owner and her late husband had operated related businesses in Clarksville dating back to the late 1970s. They were experienced business operators and survivors.
Operating a small business is a tough job. There are a million and one things to stay on top of. I’ve done it for 11 years and know it can wear you down. I watch my son as he grapples with the challenges of a getting a small business up and running and realize it can wear down even the young and hearty.
I fear that our business and many others are falling victim to the Internet world and the “virtual” businesses that are just a website and an email address. But, “virtual” businesses aren’t going to drive the local economy.
Brick and mortar businesses pay property taxes, business taxes, sales taxes, and employment taxes. They make payroll. They purchase goods and services. Small businesses represent the largest employer force in the nation. It takes a lot of small businesses to make this country run.
If we are going to purchase goods and services from “virtual” businesses who don’t contribute to the community we will one day have to call for a “virtual” police officer, a “virtual” ambulance, a “virtual” fire rescue serve, send children to a “virtual” school, and drive on “virtual” roads that were all paid for by “virtual” taxes. Let me know how that works out for you.
