Every holiday season, Joe is reminded of the importance of local merchants to the Maine economy. The Portland Buy Local campaign is a partnership of local business-owners and citizens, whose mission is " to support locally owned, independent businesses in Portland, to maintain our unique community character, provide continuing opportunities for entrepreneurs, build community economic strength, and prevent the displacement of community-based businesses by national and global chains."

Joe applauds the Buy Local campaign, and is happy to spread the positive message to Portland. Find more about the campaign here. Happy holidays, everyone!

Photograph courtesy of Corey Templeton. See more of Corey's photography here.