Cornwall Ontario — Shopping locally is about more than buying goods and services close to home. It’s an investment in the local economy that helps to support jobs and produces benefits for the entire community.  That’s the message being spread by officials of the City of Cornwall and Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce in the lead up to the 2013 holiday season. “Shopping locally helps to build strong communities by sustaining the many local businesses which employ residents and contribute to the overall quality of life we enjoy,” said Mayor Bob Kilger. “We are fortunate to have a great array of local restaurants, retailers and professional services right here in our community.” When purchases are made locally, a greater share of the money stays in the community and gets reinvested in the community through things like wages, taxes, community donations, supplies and various support services from other local businesses. “Buying local helps to stimulate local economic activity, which is good for the overall health of our community,” said Kevin Hargreaves, President of the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce. “When we shop at home, we are supporting our family members, friends and neighbours who work for and manage these businesses.” To help raise awareness and support for shopping locally, the City and the Chamber of Commerce have launched a Facebook page called ‘We Shop In Cornwall’. The Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/WeShopInCornwall.