BUY LOCAL WEEK STARTS TODAY IN SCOTT CITY

SCOTT CITY -- Participants in Scott City's Buy Local Week this week think the annual event helps bind the community together.

This fourth annual campaign is sponsored by the Scott City High School chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America and the Scott City Chamber of Commerce.

"We're hoping people will spend their money in the community," said John Flynn, FBLA chapter president. He said chapter members work closely with the local businesses to make the project successful.

Flynn said the project is one way for students to give back to the community. He said Scott City is a small community, where most students know the business owners.

"This project teaches the importance of community support," said Pat Andrews, one of three high school business teachers and advisers of the FBLA chapter. Martha Nothdurft and Donna Lutes are the other teachers involved.

"Buying local keeps sales tax revenues at home," Andrews said. "It helps businesses become more aware of their customers, And customers learn there are a lot of fine businesses here."

The local FBLA chapter has 130 members. About a dozen of these have been actively involved in planning and executing the project.

"Students get acquainted with the businesses," Andrews said. "The project helps them to gain first-hand awareness of what goes on in a business."

Andrews is pleased with the record number of participants in this year's project. More than 30 businesses are helping to promote the week, and several will offer special prices for the campaign.

Shirley Young, chamber president, said local sales tax revenues are expected to increase during the campaign. Just as important, she said, the young business leaders gain valuable experience through the project.

For the past three years, the local FBLA chapter has won first place in state competition with the project as an entry in the American Enterprise category, which promotes the awareness of business in the community.