Businesses are necessary to build the infrastructure of communities by providing goods, services and employment. Yet we often overlook the important role businesses play in our "sense" of community all through our lives. 

 

We might forget our first taste of independence when our parents walked with us to the corner store to get a treat and let us pay the cashier ourselves. Chances are that we didn't only go to that store once. It became part of our routine. First, we walked with our parents. Then we rode our bike on training wheels, later on two. Soon, we went alone or in packs with friends. We developed habits, and made a beeline to the area with the soda fountain, or the bulk candies, or the deli. That store, whether it was an independent business or a 7-11, became part of what defines our childhood.
 
Most of us probably remember our favorite local pizza parlor, or drive-in, where everybody gathered for parties after playing Little League or soccer. It's likely the same place that was packed after school sports events, like football homecoming games, or the last day of school.
 
As we grew older and started earning our own money, we may have worked for a local business. We likely visited movie theaters and clothing stores. Hobbies required regular trips to the auto parts store, the trading card and collectible store or the pet store. These businesses were helping us to find our place in the community.
 
Many of us have treasured memories of first dates, even engagements at local restaurants. After the earthquake in January, the threat of losing the building that once housed Old Town Bar and Grill evoked memories passionate enough to help save the building.
 
Sometimes businesses that we never even visit play a large part in our collective memories. Those are the landmark businesses. This could include a business that stands out visually, like Pierson's Big Hammer, or the Legend of Bigfoot near Richardson Grove.  Sometimes it's the signage or a mural on a building that makes it stand out. It could be a fountain or a sculpture, the shape of the building, or a distinctive location. 
 
One of the most interesting things about the sense of community is the desire to create deeper connections by remembering fondly businesses that are no longer around. "I remember when," is the beginning of a statement that says "I belong because I have history here." I recently visited a feed store in a small Texas town. A group of men, between 50 and 70, were talking about coming to the store when they were boys. It used to be the town's general store, and they talked about being fifteen-years-old and riding their bikes to get Blue Bell ice cream after school. They even pointed to the area of the store where they had the freezer case. They still meet for coffee at the store, daily. Some of the men need ranching supplies, but their connection to the store was as much about community as it was about getting barbed wire.

 

What are your favorite memories? Were they associated wtih a local business. When we build business we are building an economy. We're also building memories.