Why should I shop locally rather than at a big national chain?

A dollar spent at a locally owned store is usually spent 6 to 15 times before it leaves the community. From $1.00, you create $5.00 to $14.00 in value within  that community. Spend $1.00 at a national chain store, and 80% of it leaves town immediately. This info is from Tim Mitchell, first cited in E magazine, article available through the Northwest Earth Institute's Choices for Sustainable Living course book. T hank you for supporting local businesses and contributing to a sustainable economy within our community!

taken from:
http://www.walkersoffice.com/faqs.html