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No matter if you have customers from all over the country, your local patrons are the backbone of your business.  Supporting your community makes it strong, cohesive and profitable and that support returns to your business.  For example in North Georgia, especially Union County and Blairsville, Relay for Life is a charity that is big within the community.  There really are no drawbacks to supporting your community!  You can also list events you are a part of on your website.  And any business in North Georgia weather located in Blairsville, Cartersville, Gainesville, or somewhere in-between should have a professional website.

One way to contribute to your city or town is to help its youngest citizens, the children.  There are all kinds of ways to do this, but a sport is the most obvious.  By paying for a team’s uniforms, your name will be emblazoned on the front or back of the shirt for everyone to see.  The appreciative parents will think of your business when they need your product instead of a competitor’s.  You can also contribute by buying sign space on the playing field, providing trophies or equipment for the team. 

Festivals are another good way to become involved with your community.  Everyone enjoys a good time and street fairs and festivals bring people out like nothing else.  You can set up a booth to present your product line, give away free samples or sponsor a drawing to give the winning entry a prize.  You can also help pay for entertainment and earn your business a prominent display on the stage or other venue. 

There is a very good program in nearly every community that involves cleaning up a section of highway on a regular basis.  You’ve probably noticed the signs along the road stating a certain business or group of people are responsible for keeping that section free of debris.  Thousands of people a day see those signs and if even one percent of them patronize your business, it’s well worth the couple of hours every few weeks to honor your obligation!

Charities are also a good way to support your community.  You’ll be helping those who need it, earning publicity for your business and earning a nice tax write-off, too.  Choose a charity that you truly care about like disadvantaged children, disease research and treatment or the welfare of animals.  Attend events sponsored by your charity and display their signage in your place of business.  Let people know that you sponsor that charity.

You local school is another place to get involved.  Most schools have holiday functions like a “Scare-fest” at Halloween.  You can help by manning a game booth, dressing up as a monster for the funhouse or providing food and prizes.  Believe me, it’s a real blast to work in a booth and watch the children having fun winning prizes and candy!  If that doesn’t appeal to you, there are other school activities you can sponsor.  You can help pay for field trips, offer to give a talk on your specialty and even contribute some of your product if appropriate.  Aside from the publicity, you’ll be making a positive difference in the lives of young people.

Getting involved in your community is great for your business but it’s also very personally satisfying.  Here is a list of North Georgia Festivals.