Henryetta Chamber of Commerce (COC) wants to remind the community that shopping local has its benefits.

Area residents are encouraged to keep their shopping dollars at home.

Small rural communities experience what is known as retail leakage or, simply put, locals spend money out-of-town or online.

When this occurs, the dollars spent supports that specific community or online business and not the town they call home and depend on for services.

In turn, the home community suffers from the lack of tax revenue to support the city’s basic functions, quality of life programs are stressed, jobs are lost, local businesses cannot expand products and services offered, property values decrease, the workforce diminishes and the overall ability of the community to attract new businesses declines.

Did You Know?

– The City of Henryetta is not funded by the state or federal government; it is funded by sales tax revenue and water and sewage fees.

– Cities in Oklahoma, unlike other states, do not receive a penny of your property taxes.

– Henryetta Chamber of Commerce does not receive any portion of your tax dollars - it is funded via our business members.

If Henryettans expect improvements in the community, as they rightfully should, community loyalty must occur.

Henryetta COC also realizes that the city government must manage tax revenue properly and that Henryetta-based businesses have a responsibility to reinvest in the community, provide quality products and services and establish operating hours that meet their customers needs.

If residents, businesses and city government work together, Henryetta can prosper and fulfill the expectation levels of the community.

As we experience greater challenges with more out-of-town and online shopping, we encourage residents to think twice when they spend their money - you can make a positive difference in your community, but it requires investing in your local businesses at every opportunity.

Just ask yourself, when was the last time a major department store or home improvement store sponsored a school program or donated to other community programs. In fact, your Henryetta businesses not only financially contribute to local programs, they actually volunteer their time and expertise to work or organize many events.

Your Henryetta Chamber of Commerce fully understands the desire for that occasional out-of-town shopping trip or the need to purchase an online item. We just want you to give your local businesses the first opportunity to serve your daily needs as it directly benefits the community.