Johns Creek Advantage Launches Local Business Push

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Johns Creek Advantage has released a logo, initial list and location map of local businesses that are owned and operated by Johns Creek residents.

Why should Johns Creek care about and patronize locally owned businesses? Johns Creek Advantage points out the following:

• Recognizing locally owned businesses helps bring growth and innovation to the community of Johns Creek;
• Local businesses have a multiplier effect on the local economy;
• Also, research shows that communities which have a vibrant local business community also have more charitable giving in the community, and give a community a distinct character and enthusiasm;
• Small businesses tend to attract talent that implement new solutions for existing ideas or who invent new products; and
• Local businesses bring their local economy far more revenue than national chains.

JCA backs up its claims by referencing an article titled “The Cruicial Role Small Businesses Play in their Communities,” which appeared on American Express’s website.

According to research cited in the October 2014 article leading up to last year’s Small Business Saturday promotion, 70 percent or more in revenue generated at national retailer leave the local community and go back into its national headquarters’ coffers.

For locally owned businesses, the opposite is true: 75 percent of money spent at locally owned businesses is recycled back into that community.

At least two of Johns Creek’s local business owners are speaking out as to why they chose to start their business in their hometowns.

“At Lily’s Pharmacy, not only are we passionate about your healthcare and the services and products we deliver, but we are passionate about our neighbors, friends, patients, and customers,” said owner Michael Shannon. ”We opened our family pharmacy after some awful experiences at the big-box stores when we decided that we could do better, and that people deserved to get treated better. We couldn’t think of a better place to open our family business then in our home town of Johns Creek.

“Helping people to get and stay healthy is one thing, but putting a smile on people’s faces and treating everyone like they deserve to be treated, as a friend, neighbor, and fellow citizen is what it is all about. Locally owned and operated businesses understand the value of the relationship, and the relationship building has been the most rewarding part of opening and operating a small business in our home town.”

Raj Shingadia, owner of SEA (Southeast Aquariums) Atlanta, added the company needed a “place where quality appreciated.”

“Johns Creek is a great community that is built around quality and is one that supports its local economy,” said Shingadia. “Combine that with easy access to Atlanta, it was the obvious choice.”

Johns Creek Advantage, the economic development organization for Johns Creek, is a public-private partnership with the city and about 50 businesses. It is tasked with recruiting new businesses and the retention and expansion of current businesses.

For more information or to see the list and map of locally-owned businesses, visit Johns Creek Advantage’s website.

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Logo via Johns Creek Advantage