The We Are Temescal Valley Business Committee has launched a campaign to encourage residents to “shop Temescal Valley first” this holiday season. The reasons?

1.  A percentage of sales tax revenue is returned to the local governing agency where the purchase was made. Shop at Tom’s Farms – the revenue is returned to Riverside County to be used in providing services to Temescal Valley. Shop at The Crossings or Dos Lagos – the revenue is returned to the city of Corona to be used in providing services to Corona residents.

2.  Many Temescal Valley business owners and managers live in Temescal Valley. They are our friends and neighbors – our kids go to school together, we belong to the same valley organizations, we attend the same church. We should support each other.

3.  Local nonprofit groups — PTAs, churches, youth groups — expect donations from Temescal Valley businesses when doorprizes are needed. The best way to show appreciation for such donations is to support that merchant.

4.  No crowds, no long lines, no traffic jams (unless there’s an accident on the I-15 and everyone is using Temescal Canyon Road!)

THE SHOP LOCAL CHALLENGE
The business committee, led by Chairman Dan Smith, has put together a list of gift and stocking-stuffer ideas — the Temescal Valley Holiday Gift Guide. VIEW IT HERE.

Once residents make a local purchase, the committee asks that they take a photo of themselves holding the store’s gift bag, post it in on their Facebook page and the We Are Temescal Valley Facebook page issuing a challenge to two Temescal Valley friends to “Shop Local” and do the same. Yes, the committee is blatantly copying the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge!

If you’d like more information on the Shop Local challenge, the Business Committee or how to be included in the Gift Guide, direct your questions to WeAreTV.org@gmail.com

Other committee members are Miriam Cardenas, Glen and Kelly Nelson, Cathie Smith, Michelle Capodanno, Rob Mucha, Tracy Davis, Pam Garcia and John Watson.