Did you know that community is the secret to small hometown charm? Community working together to create this charm.

As someone who has been working on revitalizing Downtown Lehighton first as volunteer, now as a member of the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development team, it has become apparent that the community is not aware of how important they are to regrow the charm of our towns.

We have many small towns in Carbon County in need of restoring this charm. This starts with every one of us who live in these towns. When was the last time you supported a small local business? If all of us are not supporting these businesses, they cannot succeed. Now I know, we all have different interests and tastes, that’s perfectly fine. But if everyone starts patronizing the businesses they like, they will all succeed.

Have you ever been to a basket raffle fundraiser? Check out the businesses that actually donate to this cause. They are putting money out to support our organizations. Check out the back of a youth sports team shirt. These are also supported by local businesses. How often do we support those businesses? These businesses cannot go on without our support. Have you been to an event and seen sponsor signs? Without these sponsors, these events cannot happen. From a small movie in the park to a huge event like fireworks, events have many expenses.

Oh, I know, the community will respond with there is never any parking.

Did you know if you park in a big store parking lot and need to park in the locations furthest away from the store you are walking anywhere from half block to a block away? Why will we do this at these locations but will not support our businesses in town because we cannot get a spot directly in front of their business?

Most towns offer public parking lots, if you do not know where your town’s public parking lot is, please look into them.

Maybe, I can order online from the comfort of my home with these huge companies. Before doing that, take some time to research if you can help a local business in our community.

Go in person to a business or call someone working from a local home business who can offer these same items and services. You will be surprised at the wonderful customer service you will receive and how appreciative these businesses will be.

There are so many ways you can help. Patronize that small business, come out to the events or better yet, volunteer a few hours a year with one of the local organizations trying to bring this charm back to our communities.

Bringing back the charm to our small towns will not happen overnight, and may take many, many years, but with the help of everyone, this can be accomplished!

Bambi Elsasser is with the Lehighton Downtown Partnership, Carbon Chamber & Economic Development. She can be reached at bambie@carboncountychamber.org