As a small business owner, I’ve felt lately like I’m living in a funhouse.
Only, it’s no fun.
A few months ago, the menace of huge tariffs hung over us, threatening our business, as most newsprint and sheet paper is imported from Canada. Then, to my surprise, that tariff threat suddenly disappeared—at least for the time being.
One day it’s up, the next it’s down, and who knows what tomorrow holds? And round and round she goes.
So far, we’ve lucked out, but many of our small business friends and neighbors have not. They’re bearing the brunt of this country’s trade war against the world, putting their very futures at risk.
Five years ago, during the pandemic, I used this space to urge our readers to shop locally to ensure the survival of our area’s wonderful small businesses. I’m doing so again, this time because the U.S. government’s own trade policies have taken something incredibly difficult—operating a successful small business—and made it even harder.
Go into your favorite local business and ask if they’re impacted by tariffs. You may be surprised by the answer, as I have been. So many products, goods, foods, etc., are imported, and small businesses simply cannot pivot overnight to alternative suppliers, if they exist at all.
One day, I presume, the U.S. will see its way out of this chaos and return to a sane, stable trade policy, so that businesses have predictability and the ability to plan long-term. Until then, it’s up to us to ensure that our locally owned stores, shops and restaurants survive, even if selection is limited, even if prices are higher.
As you flip through our June issue, you’ll see that many small businesses support TheBurg, and we, in turn, support them. Small business is the lifeblood of any community. You’ll discover so many here, in these pages, which are worthy of your patronage anytime—but especially now.
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
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