Still planning to buy that imported seafood? Why you might want to think again

I just read the article below completely and I'm furious. Although I'd read a good portion via my phone last night, the popups were driving me crazy and I didn't finish it. And when I shared it on my Facebook page, all that happened was a couple of polite likes and that was it. So I just re-posted it with the comments below, because I think it's important and that it matters. Do you?

"It's funny, I can post a graphic of some words inside a Christmas tree and people will share it like crazy....but I post THIS and often no one even acknowledges it. I guess American Dragon - Michael McKeldon Woody (the page which shared the article, that you can find on Facebook here) is used to finding that out but damn is it frustrating for me to see. I'm willing to bet that right now across the country, seafood selections (frozen, etc) in many of the major chain stores are somewhat depleted with the holidays coming. So clearly the public IS buying it...does that mean you support this slave labor?

Don't get me wrong, I'm no better than you. I LOVE shrimp and sometimes I want to be selfish and just have what I want. But...the local seafood available in our area isn't cheap, and thus it's become a couple of times a year extravagance only...because I will not willingly support foods produced in this manner. And if you think about it, tossing back that crap you picked up at walmart wouldn't kill you either. Maybe when you do splurge it will be a local seafood market that's family owned and operated....and yep, perhaps you won't get to buy it as often. But you just might be keeping the local business IN business."

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/8f64fb25931242a985bc30e3f5a9a0b2/ap-global-supermarkets-selling-shrimp-peeled-slaves

Googling brought up more articles, all from within the last 3 days. Hmm. Perhaps this story actually hit a nerve?

http://www.ibtimes.com/shrimp-slaves-boycott-thailand-slave-labor-controversy-sparks-call-ban-seafood-2228049
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35106683

Care to learn more? Here are some links to Maryland Seafood (since that's near me).
http://seafood.maryland.gov/
https://www.facebook.com/MarylandSeafood

American Dragon - Michael McKeldon Woody
http://www.americandragon.us/
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanDragon.US/

Think Before You Walk Into Another Big Box Retailer this Holiday Season

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our towns, neighborhoods and cities. They are more than "just" a building, or a shop, they are someone's life who loves where they live. Most owners don't do it for the money - they do it because they ARE the community and part of the community is in them. Don't wait - invest in your independents now.

Choosing a Locally-owned Business "Why I'm Standing in a Tribles Appliance Parts Store"

I'm standing at the counter of a the local appliance parts/repair piece/fix it place. I'd ordered the part a few days ago and just picked it up, which for us IS well out of our comfort zone but some reckless voice inside our collective heads apparently spoke and we listened. Following a sort of breakdown in communication with an appliance repair guy, and knowing this shop was here, we have courageously (or was it drunkenly), opted to try and replace part of the dryer on our own. 

Small Business Casualties: Is One-Stop Shopping Killing Us?

I first wrote a rough draft of this back in 2009 as I began to observe the attraction of the big box stores for consumers. Worried that the independents may be fading in popularity by seeing a shift towards the “get it all under one roof” mentality, it appeared there were changes ahead for our small businesses.

Small Business vs. Town Politics: Water's Edge Cafe in Crisfield, Maryland

It's happening again folks....one more small business is up against their town over an issue that should be and is fixable. I'm sick over this. Waters Edge Cafe is in the same town that our cover photo on facebook is from - there are many more pictures just like it of vacant buildings, "for rent" signs and empty streets.



Back in September the owners had been very kind to me with a community project we were doing. As one of the only people who welcomed us to set up for the afternoon to connect with people, it really struck me that in town of forgotten buildings and departed businesses, that so many folks were coming to their restaurant that day. In the middle of the week, during the day. Because they are worth it.

When will community leaders "get it"? These laws and zoning restrictions and parking issues ARE fixable. Rulings can be changed and properties can be rezoned - but many small towns are already losing the things that matter - and yet when they have something wonderful come in, they don't seek to retain it. I'm floored. Here is the facebook post from the local newspaper, Crisfield-Somerset Times

Some of the comments on this topic show clearly how people feel.

"Why would the city REALLY want to deny the waiver?? Common sense. Please use common sense. Please waive this OR convert your picnic area to a parking lot. Closing this restaurant would be ONE more dagger in the back for this town! IS that what you really want??"

"I am completely dumbfounded by this. Why would "town leaders" want to give a thriving business such trouble? Common sense should prevail.... I support the restaurant...."

"This is ridiculous. Given the current economic status of the city it would be more prudent to grant a waiver. Preserving the existence of a thriving business that is loved and desired by the community should be enough to support a waiver. In addition perhaps it's time to review existing ordinances for their relevance in today's environment."

UPDATE 10/28/15: "Crisfield's parking problems to be addressed" - post from the Crisfield-Somerset County Times https://www.facebook.com/CSCountyTimes/posts/1160786617279592

UPDATE 12/3/15: Cash registers stolen from Crisfield cafe
http://www.csctimes.com/courts-cops/police-investigating-burglary-at-waters-edge-cafe
http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2015/12/03/cash-registers-stolen-crisfield/76737168/

Water's Edge Cafe is located in downtown Crisfield, Maryland.
https://www.facebook.com/Waters-Edge-Cafe-617616871655711/

Support Small Business Saturday Where You Live

Small business owners have so many options to promote and celebrate Small Business Saturday. Create an event, offer goodies to your customers or consider partnering up with other indie retailers in the area. When everyone works together to promote one another, your town, main street or local community can market itself as a destination and family attraction for the day! A multi-layered marketing campaign which works to attract visitors across a wider platform, say for example geared towards the whole family, is a win win for any community. Pair up the specials and rewards so that while mom is buying for her sisters, the kids are enjoying pizza at the arcade and dad is kicking back with a personalized shopping assistant in another store.

Two new beginnings

Because of a memorial service yesterday I wasn't able to get to a locally owned place to celebrate Mom and Pop Business Owners Day. However, twice in the last week we've opted to try two recently opened small restaurants in our local area.

Both were fresh, clean, newly painted and excited to see us, and we left each eatery feeling their interest in us, that they truly cared we were there. At one we noticed what was likely a family similarity between the various staff members and were pleased to see the seats filled almost to capacity.

Each restaurant is a new beginning for buildings that have been home to several other eateries. I’m hoping these folks find the right combination to create their own magic and brand, and that they become part of our landscape. Why? Because you can go to a Moe’s or Chili’s or Olive Garden ANYWHERE….any time. But these interactions with real people out to fulfill their dreams; taking a chance and investing in our local economy; they are unlike any other dining establishment. And that variety, flavor and uniqueness in our towns is what weaves a vibrant community worth visiting.

Live Local USA | a voice for small businesses.

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March 29th is "National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day"

March 29th is a day to celebrate and recognize the Mom and Pop business owners, the loyal folks who run, operate and create so many favorite places to visit, love and enjoy. They're our local icons and landmarks; the history and familiar faces that weave color into the fabric of our communities.

Matthews Market March 2015

In a small town along Virginia's eastern shore, approval for the THIRD Dollar General in 14 miles passes. A long-time community icon - one of the few remaining independent grocery stores - stands to be the one most affected. Indie grocers are fading and yet they are the ones that for so long have supplied residents with quality foods. How can the owners compete with the slick chains and seemingly endless offerings of a dollar store chain...can they survive and will they last?
Visit their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/matthewsmarket1991