While this blog isn't really "scuba specific"...we are slated to lose 30% of our scuba stores during the downturn in the economy. I saw this on my morning perusal of the internet and want to share it.

This is the 350 Project.

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

50 - If just half the employed US population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.

68- For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 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.

1- The number of people it takes to start the trend…..you.