How to save the places you love in Phoenix, Arizona, or anywhere

The Chuckbox in 1972, Tempe, Arizona

I collect old photos of Phoenix, and I share them on the internet, and one of the most common things that I see is that people regret the loss of something, like their favorite restaurant. And then I see people wondering who to protest to, or whether they should click "like" or something, or forward a Facebook post. And sometimes, well, there's just nothing to be done. Times change, and things go away. But you can do something that will make a difference.

I think about the places that are precious to me, like the Chuckbox in Tempe. And I try do something - I go there as often as I can. I tell my friends to go there (and take me with them!). Because it's all about money.

Of course, just going to my favorite places won't be enough if someone wants to buy that block and put in something else. I know that, I get it. But most businesses around here aren't in any kind of danger like that. They're just in danger of dying from neglect.

I'm an old Marketing guy, and I know that people vote for what they want with their money. If they want to watch the Super Bowl, they vote with a LOT of money. And that's how they show support for what's important to them. They invest in what they consider valuable.

I've lived in this neighborhood for over twenty years and I pride myself on supporting every local business (except the tattoo place, I can't bring myself to get a tattoo). And I hope that the places that I love will be around the next time I want to go there. This isn't charity, this is investment, in my community, my city, my world.

So, please put away the rants, and the blame that it's all some big conspiracy, man. It's not. Mostly it's simple - people invest in their business, and stay there if they make money. If you love a place, then go there and help support them, with money. There's no guarantee that your support will mean that that place will be there in the future, but it's the best thing you can do.

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