There's good reason to Shop Local, from independent businesses, rather than chain stores. According to the Annapolis Sustainable Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a locally owned business $45 stays in the community as compared to $14 if the money is spent at a chain store.

Local independent businesses invest in the community, often give better customer service, and significantly support non-profit organizations in the city. Local businesses keep Annapolis authentic and unique; if we wanted to live somewhere that looked like everywhere else we would have not chosen to live in Annapolis.

ASBA's holiday shopping and eating campaign "Shift to Buy Local ... a Campaign to Sustain," asks residents to take a Pledge to Shift $100 of their spending between now and December 30 to a local independent business. Shoppers who take this pledge receive a bright, reusable holiday red shopping bag with the campaign's logo.

When using this bag shopping at participating local businesses, customers will receive a reward, gift or discount. Turning in receipts from participating businesses totaling $100 will make you eligible for a drawing for $200 to be held at the end of the campaign.

And, each week until December 30 there will be a Customer Appreciation Day at individual local businesses in different shopping areas of Annapolis. Check newspaper ads for weekly announcements.

Take the pledge and participating local businesses will thank you for your support with discounts or other benefits through December 30. Click here to learn more, take the pledge, and see the growing list of participating businesses.  Some are in Eastport!