Think locally when spending your Christmas cash

Black Friday has passed and cyber Monday lurks on the horizon as shoppers look for great deals on holiday gifts.

While these deals are good, do not forget to check local stores for your gifting needs.

The local economy has improved recently, but it still needs quite a bit of improvement.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to jump start that recovery is by keeping as much holiday shopping money in Franklin County as possible.

The tax revenue will help boost schools and the money brought into local stores could help increase employment, which will help lower that pesky unemployment rate.

While you are looking for the perfect gift for that special someone, remember that the gift of a healthy economy benefits all of Franklin County.