* TIME- If time is important to you, you could save most of your travel time by shopping in Kendallville. With the time you save, may be able to go to a Christmas concert or watch an extra football or basketball game. At the very least, you would have more time to spend with family and friends.

" ENVIRONMENT  Those who pride themselves about thinking green can reduce emissions for the long drive to and from the big city mall.

" ENERGY  With gas prices going up, and concern about our dependence on foreign oil, anything we can do to wisely use our energy resources would surely help.

" MONEY  The government says it costs about 50¢/mile to operate a vehicle. Get out your calculator and see if the great deal in Fort Wayne is really that good after you factor in the cost of driving all the way there and back.

" COMMUNITY  Consider that the Kendallville merchants are the ones who support your kids by sponsoring Little League teams, scouting, and school sports. They also pay taxes to support the city services we all enjoy. Our local restaurants, groceries, and banks provide lots of jobs for our community. Doesnt it make sense, to spend our dollars with our local businesses if they are willing to spend those dollars on things we enjoy and appreciate?

This recession has been difficult for most of us. But I contend that if we shop in Kendallville, it not only helps to stretch the few dollars we have, but it also helps our friends and neighbors who happen to be the local merchants. I dont know about you, but I would much rather give my money to someone I know for things I need anyway than spend it with strangers who dont care anything about me or my family. This year, try shopping in Kendallville and make this a Merrier Christmas for your friends and neighbors.