The smart thing about this list is that at least to some extent, it frames local business as a <i>tangible</i> net positive for the consumer.  It bugs me when people suggest that you should shop at local businesses as an act of altruism or sticking it to the man.  There's only one reason to choose any business: they give you the best results for the things you care about.<p>People don't respond well to nebulous, "this strengthens the community"-type stuff.  They like good products, good service, low prices, and a nice user/shopping experience.  The crucial point is that whatever the good things are about your business, people have to feel them in a single interaction, the very first time — not years down the road.  You can't depend on people subordinating their short-term interests to a vague community benefit that a) won't show up for a long time, and b) only shows up if everyone else in the community also makes the same sacrifice.