Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round
November 29, 2024
November 29, 2024
Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round
When the holiday season rolls around, reminders to "shop small" and "shop local" abound, but supporting local businesses isn’t just for the holidays. It’s a commitment that has a ripple effect in our community, creating a stronger, more connected, and sustainable local economy. At
Louis Auto Glass
, as a proud local business in Whatcom and Skagit counties, we know firsthand the transformative power of keeping it local—not just in December but all year long.
Local Dollars Stay Local
When you spend money at a local business, 68% of every dollar stays in the community compared to only 43% when you shop at a national chain. In Whatcom and Skagit counties, this means your money contributes to local jobs, local suppliers, and local families. Local businesses are more likely to source their supplies locally, amplifying the economic benefits even further.Community Generosity: Philanthropy Starts Here
Local businesses play an outsized role in supporting our schools, charities, and community projects. For example, small businesses like those in downtown Bellingham or Mount Vernon account for 65% of all charitable giving nationwide. Here in Whatcom and Skagit counties, many local businesses sponsor youth sports leagues, donate to local food banks like the Bellingham Food Bank, and support environmental initiatives like Nooksack Salmon Enhancement projects.Environmental Benefits
Shopping local also reduces the environmental impact. Goods and services sourced locally travel shorter distances, cutting down on transportation-related carbon emissions. For instance, local artisans and farmers at the Bellingham Farmers Market not only provide fresh, high-quality goods but also help create a sustainable ecosystem by encouraging reduced packaging and transportation waste.Building a Sense of Community
Supporting small businesses helps maintain the unique character of our towns. The friendly faces at your neighborhood coffee shop or your local auto glass experts are part of what makes our community feel like home. Local businesses help foster personal relationships, creating a tight-knit network that national chains simply cannot replicate.By the Numbers: Small Businesses in Whatcom & Skagit Counties
- Over 90% of businesses in Whatcom County are classified as small businesses.
- These businesses employ more than half the county’s workforce , according to the Washington State Small Business Economic Profile.
- For every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $45 goes toward local wages that support families right here in our community.
Take Action: How You Can Support Local Year-Round
- Dine and Shop Locally : Choose local restaurants, boutiques, and service providers.
- Spread the Word : Share your favorite local businesses on social media or leave them a positive review online.
- Think Local First : Before heading to a big-box store, consider if a local business can meet your needs.


September 10, 2025
Back to School Means Busier Roads in Whatcom & Skagit Counties September brings more cars, buses, and kids on foot in school zones across Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley. For parents and commuters alike, safety is top priority. That’s why keeping your Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) properly calibrated after a windshield replacement is more important than ever. What Is ADAS & Why Does Calibration Matter? Many newer vehicles are equipped with ADAS technology—features like: Lane departure warnings Forward collision alerts Automatic emergency braking Pedestrian detection These safety systems rely on cameras and sensors that are often mounted directly to your windshield. When your windshield is replaced—even with the highest quality glass—the camera’s position shifts ever so slightly. Without calibration, your ADAS may give false warnings, or worse, fail to detect a child crossing the street. According to AAA and Consumer Reports, properly functioning ADAS can prevent thousands of crashes every year, but only if the system is accurately aligned. How Calibration Works at Louis Auto Glass At Louis Auto Glass, we specialize in ADAS calibration services to ensure your safety systems work exactly as the manufacturer intended. Using advanced equipment, we: Recalibrate your vehicle’s cameras after windshield replacement. Verify that lane departure and pedestrian detection systems are functioning correctly. Perform both static and dynamic calibration, depending on your vehicle make and model. The result? Peace of mind that your ADAS is ready to protect you, your family, and the students walking through school zones. School Zone Safety: The Local Perspective In Whatcom and Skagit counties, school zones can be especially busy: Ferndale: Heavy morning traffic near Ferndale High School and elementary campuses. Burlington: Busy drop-off lines by Burlington-Edison schools. Sedro-Woolley: Increased foot traffic near Cascade Middle and Sedro-Woolley High School. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that speeding and driver inattention are leading risks in school zones. Properly calibrated ADAS systems add another layer of protection—helping drivers react faster and avoid tragic accidents. Don’t Wait—Schedule Your Calibration Before School Season Ramps Up If you’ve recently had your windshield replaced, or even if you’re unsure whether your ADAS was recalibrated, now is the time to act. The start of the school year means more children on the roads and more responsibility for drivers. �55357;�56393; Schedule your ADAS calibration with Louis Auto Glass today and drive with confidence through every school zone in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Key Takeaways ADAS features rely on precise camera calibration after windshield replacement. Proper calibration ensures safety systems like lane departure and pedestrian detection work correctly. Local school zones in Ferndale, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley make calibration especially crucial during back-to-school season. Louis Auto Glass provides professional ADAS calibration services across Whatcom and Skagit counties.

