Keeping our money in Margate and buying local products is important for several reasons that collectively benefit the economy, community, and environment. Here are the key reasons:
Economic Benefits:
- Boosts Local Economy: Money spent at local businesses tends to stay within the community, circulating through local wages, services, and reinvestment. This creates a multiplier effect, where each dollar spent generates additional economic activity and helps build a more robust local economy.
- Job Creation: Local businesses are often significant employers in their communities. By supporting these businesses, you help create and sustain jobs for local residents, reducing unemployment and boosting overall economic health.
- Keeps Taxes Local: Local businesses pay local taxes, which fund public services such as schools, parks, roads, and emergency services. By supporting these businesses, you help ensure that your tax dollars are invested back into your community.
Community Benefits:
- Strengthens Community Ties: Local businesses are often owned and operated by your neighbors, friends, and family members. Supporting them helps foster a sense of community and strengthens relationships within the local area.
- Unique Products and Services: Local businesses often provide unique products and services that reflect the character and needs of the community. This diversity enhances the community’s distinctiveness and provides consumers with more varied choices.
- Community Investment: Local business owners are more likely to reinvest their profits back into the community. They are also more likely to support local charities, schools, and community events, further enriching the area.
Environmental Benefits:
- Reduces Carbon Footprint: Buying local products often means less transportation is required, which reduces carbon emissions and environmental impact. Local goods generally have a smaller carbon footprint compared to goods transported over long distances.
- Promotes Sustainable Practices: Local businesses are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and source their materials from local suppliers, contributing to environmental conservation and responsible resource use.
Economic Resilience:
- Diverse Economy: A diverse local economy with many small businesses is more resilient to economic downturns than one reliant on a few large corporations. Local businesses add stability and reduce vulnerability to external economic shocks.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Supporting local businesses encourages innovation and entrepreneurship. Small business owners are often more agile and can adapt quickly to changing market conditions, contributing to a dynamic and vibrant local economy.
Customer Benefits:
- Personalized Service: Local businesses often provide more personalized and higher quality customer service, as they have a vested interest in maintaining strong customer relationships.
- Local Expertise: Local business owners typically have a better understanding of the community’s needs and preferences, offering products and services that are more tailored to the local market.
In summary, keeping money locally and buying local products fosters economic growth, strengthens community ties, reduces environmental impact, and enhances the overall quality of life in the community. By making a conscious effort to support local businesses, individuals can contribute to a thriving, sustainable, and resilient local economy.
Margate is a city located in Broward County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 58,712. Margate is part of the Miami metropolitan area and is situated approximately 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale.
History Margate was founded in the 1950s, when much of the area was still either part of the Everglades or farmland. The city was incorporated in 1961 and was named after the first three letters of the founder’s last name, Jack Marqusee, and the first four letters of “gateway,” since it was considered a “gateway” to western Broward County.
Demographics According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.98 square miles (23 km2), of which 8.81 square miles (23 km2) is land and 0.17 square miles (0 km2) is water (1.89%). Margate has a tropical climate, similar to the climate found in much of the Caribbean.
Education The city has a population that is spread out, with 20.9% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.5 males.
Economy Margate is a small town with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The city has a diverse economy, with major industries including healthcare, education, and retail. The city is also home to several parks and recreational facilities, including the Calypso Cove waterpark and two golf courses.
Points of Interest
- Calypso Cove waterpark
- Carolina Golf Club
- Oriole Golf and Tennis Club
- Margate Sports Complex
- Firefighters Park
Government The city has a commission-manager form of government, with a mayor and four city commissioners. The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city.
Community Margate is known for its quiet and upscale neighborhoods, with a strong sense of community. The city hosts several annual events, including the Margate Summer Fest and the Margate Holiday Parade.
Reviews According to Niche, a review website, Margate is a small town with a mix of pros and cons. Some residents praise the city’s quiet and safe atmosphere, while others criticize the schools and traffic. Overall, Margate is considered a good place to live for young professionals and retirees.
Sources
- City of Margate official website
- United States Census Bureau
- Niche
- Wikipedia
