Polson needs to keep small businesses

Editor,

The "Last Best Place," the term we so often hear describing Montana, is being discovered in big ways.

Polson, a lovely quiet resort town with its gorgeous lake and small town shops, is being challenged to face real growth. As we all know, with growth comes "change." Our challenge as citizens of Polson will be to embrace this with open minds. We need to work together and make sure the integrity of our town is not lost.

Polson is still the small town with a friendly trusting atmosphere so many of us remember while growing up. We love the small owner business shops throughout the town. Yogi's Photo Lab, the art galleries, JC Penney-Hallmark, Safeway, Super One, Jackie M's are only a few to mention.

When Wal-Mart moved in, it was "accepted," and I must say, we shop there as well. They serve a purpose by giving many jobs to those in need of work. However, when they came in, a few of our shops could not compete with their buying power and were forced out of business.

The existing shops are continuing, and some are feeling some loss of their clientele. For instance, Yogi's Photo Lab, owned by Jacki and Yogi Trujillo, has experienced a real difference. They are not in a position to compete with Wal-Mart's cut-rate prices. All they can offer is their personal expertise and care when you bring in your photo work.

They are a professional business. Yogi's has always been there ready to answer any question you may have concerning your work — whether it be retouching old prints, repairing old photos or your need of understanding your new digital camera. They do this with care and concern that you get the best finish possible. They are experts in their field. They take pride in their work. It's their business and they are willing to give you the service you need …

My concern is that this shop, and all the other shops in town, eventually will be lost. They have become friends to all of us. They also give back to the town in more ways than monetary. And yes, Wal-Mart offers cheaper prices and at times this can all be nice. But when you want real genuine care and concern, you need your small businesses who are willing to go the extra mile to share their knowledge with you. They give you the service. Surely this has to count for something. This is what makes the town of Polson so unique. Let's not throw this away. Our town owners need our support. We have a Wal-Mart. What we don't need is a Super Wal-Mart.

Why go the way of the small towns who have gone this route and living to regret it? Why should we lose what we already have, and what most people are wishing they did have?

Let it remain a town not afraid to be a "little different." We can still grow and keep our common sense about it.

Justine Jennings

Polson