The Orient Land Trust is committed to our community. Our mission statement is clear: "Orient Land Trust is dedicated to the preservation of natural and biological resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations."

Equally important is OLT's commitment to the economy of the northern San Luis Valley and its surrounding areas. One of the best ways for all of us to help our local economy is to buy as much as possible from our local merchants and service providers. Money spent in our area, stays in our area.

Money circulates closer to home when we buy local products at locally owned businesses. There is ripple effect in our community when those businesses and their employees in turn spend their money locally. In fact, for every $1 spent at local businesses, 45 cents is then reinvested locally. When money is spent at non-local corporations only 15 cents is reinvested locally. If a greater percentage of our community buys locally, the multiplier effect turns our money into big bucks for the local economy. In fact, studies have shown that an increase of local spending from 50 to 80 percent more than doubles the local effect. What a way to help our friends and neighbors! The added bonus is that we don't have to drive as far to get what we need, and we can save on fuel costs.

It makes sense to shop locally, especially during bad economic times. According to the Local Institute for Self Reliance, three times more money stays in the local economy when you buy goods and services from locally owned businesses instead of large chain stores. All of us at OLT recognize this and support the cycle of sustainability by selling many local products in the Welcome Center. Please enjoy these items knowing you are also contributing to our mission of conservation, agriculture and the local community.

Let's all do it!!

Cherrye Williams