WADDINGTON — The Waddington Chamber of Commerce is streamlining a campaign to encourage residents to buy goods from local retailers.

Members have placed “Buy Local” signs in storefront windows. The signs read: “We need you, so we can be here when you need us. We have a variety of products available here in Waddington. Please stop in and see what is available.”

“For Waddington to survive, everybody must make an attempt to buy from local merchants, hire local contractors and residents,” said E. Jane Layo, chamber director.

She said the price of gasoline should make the decision to buy local an easy one.

“It is to your advantage to have these merchants available and not have to go 20 miles to get your groceries, visit a medical center, or visit your favorite eatery and enjoy a drink or two,” Mrs. Layo said.

In the coming months, chamber President John Steen said, the chamber will name a “business of the month” and recognize its contribution to the community.

The chamber also has issued a business directory that is available at Old Town Hall, Main Street.

More than 100 businesses are in the town and village of Waddington, Mr. Steen said. Of those, 60 are members of the Chamber of Commerce.

“Not all our local businesses are members,” Mr. Steen said. “We would like to include more.”

Applications to join the chamber are available on the town’s website: www.waddingtonny.com. Membership is $30 per year, or $20 for an individual or nonprofit organization. Members are able to use the chamber’s bulk-mailing rate, gain access to insurance with St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, are listed on promotional tourism information and receive the opportunity to interact with other businesses through annual meetings.

“If you want to maintain this standard of living, we all need to support each other by buying what we can locally,” Mrs. Layo said. “Remind your neighbors, your government officials, newcomers to our community and just anyone who will listen.”

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