05/29/2026
At the candidate forum a couple of weeks ago, a vital question was raised: “How do you plan to attract new larger businesses while still supporting small businesses?”
My answer is simple: When our local small businesses thrive, Harrodsburg thrives—and that is our best marketing tool. Outside corporations look closely at a community's economic health before investing. If our current businesses are struggling, it signals to outsiders that our town isn't ready.
As a local brick-and-mortar business owner, I talk to fellow entrepreneurs every day. Running a shop or restaurant involves overhead, fair wages, and rising operational costs. We can’t always match Amazon or big-box pricing, but we can offer unique quality, personal service, and a direct investment back into our town. Every dollar spent locally feeds a neighbor’s family and funds our community.
Economic growth also requires a cultural shift. Reputation matters. Outside companies actively look at local social media spaces to gauge a town's culture before making a move. When negative or dramatic posts dominate the online conversation, it makes future employers think twice about locating here.
Those loud online voices do not represent the true, supportive heart of Harrodsburg. Our business owners genuinely care about this community and want to right any wrongs—but they can’t fix what they don't know. Let’s make a commitment to take our grievances directly to the business owners, and use our public platforms to celebrate what makes our town great.
Let's change the mindset around consumerism in Harrodsburg. Before running to a big corporation, let’s see if a neighbor can supply it first. When we use our voices to lift up local businesses instead of tearing them down, we make our entire community an attractive place for future growth.
👇 Let's start shifting the narrative right now. What is your favorite local Harrodsburg/ Mercer County business? Drop them some love and tag them in the comments below!