Fifteen supporters of Linden dropped by the Linden Library last week to make and sign a challenge.
"I will choose to spend at least 10 per cent more of my dollars locally this holiday season," said the single sheet with its four line challenge.
"And not just us," said Linden Economic Development Corporation Assistant Director Megan Kirkland. "We understand the importance of shopping locally for every community. We want every community to see this challenge -- what we're doing-- and accept it for their merchants and government, too."
Linden, itself, is following another organization which has proposed the challenge.
"We've seen and are following the American Express Appreciate Small Business Saturday challenge which will take place nationwide Saturday, Nov. 26. Support of small business is so important we are behind it everywhere."
Kirkland said the American Express Shop Small emphasis is powerful.
"On their website, they say, 'Holidays are all about giving -- and the best gift you can give local businesses is your support. Shop small this Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 to kick off the season in a meaningful way.'"
Linden's challenge to visit and support business locally will give everyone a shot in the arm, Kirkland continued.
"We're going to have good fellowship because of it. I hope we have fun signing this pledge and fulfilling it," Kirkland said.
With that the LEDC made calls to bring a group of citizens to the library on a Tuesday afternoon with pledge paper and pens to sign the challenge.
"We're in this together and are glad to sign the pledge," several in the group said.
The Shop Linden First 10 per cent challenge is easy to understand, but there are some points to emphasize. Here are five:
1. For every $100 of investment in your neighborhood, roughly $68 to $73 of it returns to local activity.
2. You will receive the personal touch.
3. More jobs will be created.
4. Non-profits will receive more support. The fact is, non-profits receive as much as 350 per cent more money from local businesses than from non-locally owned businesses.
5. Taxes will be put to good use.
"Find a challenge form and drop it by city hall or our office," Kirkland said, adding, "We'll smile, say hello and thank you, too."