While you’re out celebrating or nation’s independence, celebrate your independents too. Independent small business enable our communities to thrive as unique places where we live. And what is a country if not a collection of united independent communities?

By growing local businesses, we also help provide a sustainable economic ecosystem. This grassroots approach to a healthy local economy building a healthy national economy is key to creating a new form of community economic development: Invest locally to thrive nationally. We are not just the United States of America, we are the United Local Communities of America. Rather than looking at our national economy, we need to find the seeds of a new middle class in our communities. Planted by aspiring and established entrepreneurs and fed by supporting customers, local businesses can fuel the new economy.

Celebrate your independents this week and every week. Take the pledge to Live Local!