Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Department Secretary Sam Rikkers touted the benefits of keeping your money local this holiday season during a Friday tour of Sturgeon Bay businesses. The visit was part of the larger Shop Small Sturgeon Bay effort being championed by Destination Sturgeon Bay. Rikkers and Destination Sturgeon Bay Executive Director Cameryn Ehlers-Kwaterski was part of a small traveling party that visited four local businesses, discussing the benefits of staying in the area for your holiday shopping. Rikkers remarked how refreshing it was to see the businesses bustling with customers coming off the street rather than staying on the computers to buy those unique gifts.

A 2018 American Express study showed that two-thirds of every dollar spent locally stays local. Small businesses are also more likely to spend with other nearby companies and donate to local charities and schools.