Value locally-owned businesses
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
Here’s a short story that just unfolded in my life. It reminded me of the important Mission Valley balance between the larger outside businesses and our own locally owned and operated businesses. I suppose I’m more aware of this now because of Polson’s present growth and sprawl with large firms.
On Tuesday, March 31, I had an appointment in Kalispell. Because of my compromised eyesight, a friend drove me up and back. On the way home at night we hit a deer near Lakeside with the Jeep Cherokee. It totally wiped out the deer; instant death. The Jeep was ok to drive on home to Polson.
The next day I checked with David Young, owner of Polson’s All Star Auto and familiar with the Jeep, who referred me to another small business, Polson Paint and Body, owned by David McDaniel. The necessary body work was very professionally and economically repaired on the Jeep.
To my delight, I saw 15-year-old Carson McDaniel, Dave’s son, the young golfing champ we’ve been watching on the links since age 5. It just brought that warm feeling of personal connections with a local family business. Some of these local businesses have opened recently, some have been here for years: local communities, local families and local businesses, all contributing to the economic, social and attracting character of the Mission Valley.
All this was due to the accident with one deer and through the experience the reminder, once again, of the importance of maintaining the character of our communities despite what sometimes looks like an invasion of “big money” interests. Point being, while all business growth is good, it is important to keep a healthy balance in our valley communities between the larger outside businesses and our own locally owned and operated businesses.
We have much local tradition that is good and grand to maintain and value in our beautiful Montana.
Bob McClellan
Polson
