Thanks for a successful Celebrate Davis!
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Photos ©2006 Wayne Tilcock, The Davis Enterprise

The Circle of Life of the Davis Tax Dollar
by Bruce Gallaudet of University Honda, Chamber Board Member

When individuals and families spend their money in Davis, it strengthens local businesses — and a strong local economy means many things:

• More jobs, ranging from the part-time, entry-level positions that appeal to high school and university students, to full-time sales, customer service, research, management and ownership roles.

• These local positions translate to less gas used to get to work, lightening our environmental impact; convenience and saving money on auto expenses are pleasant side effects of living and working in town.

• Customer service is excellent in Davis; often, you are purchasing from a neighbor or friend.

A major component of local spending are the benefits service clubs, non-profit organizations, sports groups and our schools reap from a strong business community: Next time you’re at the Davis Little League fields, look at the outfield fence — who’s advertising? How about Davis Youth Soccer League fields? American Youth Soccer League tournament programs? Who sponsors Davis Youth Softball teams? Who donates to the DPNS, Pioneer Elementary, Davis Kiwanis and other myriad silent auctions? Ever see Arden Fair Mall get behind a project like the Davis Art Center or underwrite the Davis High Baseball Team Golf Tournament?

What is the end result of the charitable contributions by Davis businesses?
1. The work of service clubs such as the Kiwanis and Rotary is supported.
2. Fees in youth sports stay affordable, and all families can participate; scholarships provided; facilities improved.
3. Outreach program such as Yolo Hospice and STEAC help more people; improve their services; and in some cases, just keep their doors open.
4. Ever wonder how the Madrigals get to Europe to perform?
5. Know why the City of Davis doesn’t go completely bankrupt? Answer: ever-increasing business license fees, assessment districts, building-permit fee increases, etc.

Davis is a GREAT community, with a quality of life rarely seen as its foundation. Our city is safe, clean and loaded with activities for all our residents — youth and seniors included. The local business community has a heart that beats full of charity, and it is crucial for every one of us to think first about buying in Davis — the Circle of Life of our hard-earned dollars depends on it.