Have you ever said to your neighbor or friend, "I wish our downtown had more shopping like the town next door?" or this one, "Oh gosh, it's a shame that store or restaurant is closing. I really liked it."

Did you realize that the mom-and-pops of this town rely on you, the consumer, to purchase from them? You have the power to make a positive impact on the economy of your town more than any government does?

OK, I get it ... the economy got scary, and we all held back our spending, then it got worse, and then it was a virtual psychological tsunami by March 1 of this year.

Cindy Baxter, a stationery store owner for 14 years and now a retail consultant and professional speaker, started "The 3/50 Project" (the350project.com). With a tag line "Save your local economy three stores at a time," the project's goal is to promote shopping in locally owned businesses while thanking customers for the positive impact that decision has on a local economy.

"Think about which three independently owned stores you'd miss most if they were gone," she says. "Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.

"If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned stores, their purchases would generate $42,629,700,000 in revenue," she says. Imagine the positive impact if three-quarters of employed Americans did that.

For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $60 of it returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online, and nothing comes home.

The number of people it takes to start a trend: You.

Pick three independently owned businesses you like, spend $50 a month there, and save your local economy. If you don't, who will?

Nancy Gray