Today is the biggest shopping day of the year and the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season for retailers.

When you’re making that list on what to get the loved ones in your life, remember to always think local first.

“That dollar really does circulate in the community and helps everything.  We all talk about wanting to see our local government get more involved, do more things.  We’d like to see our local police departments continue to do the great jobs they do, our fire departments, our libraries, our schools, recreation centers, all of that is directly impacted by shopping local” says Raccoon Valley Radio General Manager John McGee.

Even if a local store doesn’t have what you need, consider asking if they can order it for you.