Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round

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Shop Local: Why Supporting Small Businesses Benefits Our Community Year-Round

7016627028 • 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.

By making a conscious choice to support local businesses like Louis Auto Glass and others throughout Whatcom and Skagit counties, you’re not just buying goods and services—you’re investing in the future of our community.

So this year, as you check off your holiday shopping list, remember to carry that local spirit into every season. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community, one local purchase at a time.

For more information about how Louis Auto Glass supports the local community, or to schedule a repair, give us a call or visit us online. Let’s keep it local, together!

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Behind the Glass: Expert Insights from the Auto & Residential Glass Pros

Stay Safe This Holiday Season: Windshield Replacement Without Financial Worry in Whatcom and Skagit Counties

December 18, 2024

The holiday season is a time of joy, but it can also bring financial stress. Between gift shopping, holiday travel, and unexpected expenses, car repairs may seem like the last thing you want to deal with. If you’ve found yourself with a cracked or damaged windshield, you might be wondering: “Will windshield replacement increase my insurance rates?” Let’s put your mind at ease. Windshield Replacement and Insurance Rates The good news is that windshield replacement typically won’t increase your insurance premiums. In Washington State, comprehensive auto insurance often covers windshield repair or replacement. Filing a claim for glass damage is considered a non-fault claim, meaning it usually won’t cause your rates to rise. Most insurance providers understand that windshield damage is often caused by unavoidable factors like road debris or severe weather. That’s why many policies include glass repair coverage with little to no deductible, depending on your specific plan. Why Act Now? Delaying windshield repairs can cause small chips to turn into large cracks, making repairs more costly or even requiring a full replacement. Driving with a damaged windshield is also unsafe, especially during the winter months when icy roads and poor visibility increase accident risks. How Louis Auto Glass Makes It Simple At Louis Auto Glass, serving Whatcom and Skagit counties, we aim to ease your holiday stress by providing fast, reliable, and seamless windshield repair and replacement services. Here’s how we make the process worry-free: Insurance Assistance: We work directly with your insurance company, helping you file your claim and ensuring the process is hassle-free . Affordable Options: Even if you don’t have glass coverage, we offer competitive pricing and financing options to fit your budget. Expert Technicians: Our certified technicians use top-quality materials to restore your vehicle’s safety and appearance. Convenient Service: With multiple locations , we accommodate your schedule, whether you're at home, at work, or holiday shopping, to ensure a quick appointment. Peace of Mind This Holiday Season Don’t let a damaged windshield add to your holiday worries. Trust Louis Auto Glass to keep you safe on the road while protecting your budget. Contact us today to schedule your windshield repair or replacement and enjoy peace of mind throughout the holiday season. Call Now or Request a Quote Online!

Halloween Safety Tips: Keep Your Windshield Clear and Your Drive Safe

October 30, 2024

Halloween is just around the corner in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, bringing fun, frights, and families on the move. With trick-or-treaters filling the streets and pumpkin patches bustling with activity, there’s no better time to make sure your car is ready for safe driving. Here at Louis Auto Glass, your local trusted auto glass repair shop, we’re here to help you prepare for a safe and enjoyable Halloween by keeping your windshield crystal clear. Why a Clear Windshield Matters on Halloween Night During Halloween, many neighborhoods are filled with extra foot traffic. Kids in costumes, sometimes less visible, may be running across the streets, and families are out in full force. A clear, streak-free windshield helps improve your reaction time, enhances visibility in low-light settings, and ultimately keeps everyone safer. Here are a few tips to get your windshield ready for the night: 1. Get Small Chips and Cracks Fixed Early With temperatures dropping as fall sets in, any small chips or cracks in your windshield can quickly turn into bigger problems. Cold weather can expand those cracks, making your windshield weaker and less safe. Not to mention, chips can create annoying light refractions at night, making it harder to see clearly. At Louis Auto Glass, we specialize in fast, efficient chip and crack repair to prevent these issues from worsening. Getting those minor repairs done now can make all the difference for visibility and safety—especially if you’re driving in areas like Downtown Bellingham or Mount Vernon, where Halloween events tend to attract lots of families. 2. Beware of Rain, Fog, and Humidity Fall weather in Whatcom and Skagit Counties often means unpredictable rain, fog, and high humidity. This moisture can make dirt and debris stick to your windshield, reducing visibility. To combat this, make sure your wiper blades are in good shape and consider applying a hydrophobic treatment to repel water. Louis Auto Glass can recommend the best treatments to keep rain and fog from interfering with your view on those dark, spooky October nights. It’s an extra layer of protection that can make all the difference when you’re trying to spot trick-or-treaters in dimly lit neighborhoods. 3. Inspect Your Headlights and Interior Glass For the clearest possible view, ensure your headlights are clean and working properly, especially if you’re headed through winding roads like those found in Chuckanut Drive or the scenic Skagit Valley. Additionally, keep the inside of your windshield and other windows clean to avoid glare and fog buildup that can occur during chilly Halloween nights. 4. Stay Aware of Local Events and Traffic Patterns Halloween events throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties—whether it’s a community trick-or-treat or a haunted corn maze—tend to draw larger crowds, which means more cars on the road. Having a clean, clear windshield is essential when driving around other families enjoying the holiday fun. Louis Auto Glass is proud to serve our local communities and offer the peace of mind that comes with safe, reliable glass repair and replacement services. Why Choose Louis Auto Glass for Your Auto Glass Needs? As a family-owned business serving Whatcom and Skagit Counties for over 90 years, we are dedicated to helping our neighbors drive safely all year round. We take pride in offering top-notch auto glass repair and replacement to keep you safe on the road. So before you hit the road to enjoy the Halloween festivities, stop by Louis Auto Glass to ensure your car’s glass is in great shape. From windshield repairs to complete replacements, we’re here to make sure you can focus on what matters most: keeping your family safe while having a little Halloween fun.

Louis Auto Glass Wins Skagit Valley’s Community Best of the Best Award for the Second Year in a Row!

October 9, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Louis Auto Glass in Mount Vernon has won the Skagit Valley Best of the Best award for the Best Residential/Auto Glass Company—two years in a row! This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our loyal customers and the amazing Skagit Valley community. We are humbled and deeply grateful for the trust you place in us to take care of your vehicles and homes when it comes to auto and residential glass needs. Thank You to Our Amazing Customers! At Louis Auto Glass, we believe that our success is built on the relationships we’ve fostered over the past 90+ years in business. From repairing your windshields to replacing residential windows, every job we do is handled with the highest level of care and precision. We know you have options, and we’re honored that you’ve chosen us, time and again, as your go-to glass company in Skagit Valley. Your votes in the Skagit Valley Best of the Best award, remind us how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive and close-knit community. Whether you're a first-time customer or someone who has been with us for years, your feedback and continued trust fuel our passion for delivering outstanding service. What’s Next for Louis Auto Glass in Mount Vernon? As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on serving the Mount Vernon community and surrounding areas with the same dedication that earned us this award. With fall and winter approaching, we’re ready to help you stay safe on the road by ensuring your windshield and auto glass are in top condition for the colder months. Looking ahead, we’ll continue to innovate and improve our services, keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront of everything we do. From our team of expert technicians to our friendly office staff, everyone at Louis Auto Glass is dedicated to exceeding your expectations. Once Again, Thank You! Thank you, Skagit Valley, for trusting us with your glass repair needs and for supporting us with your votes. We are beyond grateful and will continue striving to provide the best auto and residential glass services in the area. If you need auto or residential glass services, don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by our Mount Vernon location. We look forward to serving you!