Being a Good Neighbor
Being a Good Neighbor
What does this mean, exactly? More specifically, what does it mean to local, and locally-based, businesses? It’s about corporate citizenship. It’s about recognizing that even though – or perhaps because – we are businesses, we have a commitment to be good neighbors to everyone who lives and works in Sturbridge.
I invite you to consider that every business, large and small, contributes to our quality of life in Sturbridge. In fact, many of our local businesses thrive on the quality of life here. We are retailers and restaurateurs whose survival depends on the patronage of local residents and the tourists who are attracted here.
Some of us are corporations that could have located anywhere, but chose Sturbridge for its unique qualities that enhance our business experiences. Some of us don’t rely on foot and tourist traffic, but our attachments to this town are deeply felt.
We all share commonalities: we provide job opportunities and pay taxes; our employees shop, eat and otherwise enjoy their time in Sturbridge. Some of us – owners, managers, and employees alike – live elsewhere. Many of us live right in Sturbridge. Regardless, we all spend a significant portion of our daily lives here, and as such, we are neighbors.
Being a good corporate citizen is more than just recognizing these facts. It requires that we give back to this town in direct and meaningful ways. It requires that we set a standard for citizenship by reaching out to our most vulnerable, with an offer of tangible help when it is needed most. Some will say business is without soul. I beg to differ. I believe that in times of need our local businesses are the first to step up and demonstrate that we care. We do this because we are good neighbors.
Jennifer Morrison
Chief Administraive Officer
REAS Foundation