The article below talks about the financial woes of several local Middletown business owners. In addition to friends, family members and fellow church members, let’s not forget to pray for the people in our community particularly affected by the economic recession — that God would provide for their physical needs and more importantly that He would save those who have not already come to know Jesus Christ and the eternal security that He alone provides. And oh….the next time you’re out, consider shopping local.

As some Middletown businesses close their doors, others look for new solutions in the rough economy and all business owners request residents shop local.
“[Residents] can find everything they need in Middletown,” said Stephanie Sutton-Gose. Sutton-Gose, co-owner of Home Décor in Dove Run Center, said the country has been over-spending for the last 10 years. They’ve gotten their supplies away from their towns and shopped at big box stores, but the economic downturn has caused people to spend more time at home with their families and spend less money. “I think everybody’s back to basics and being conservative,” she said.
However, as residents hold onto their money, some local businesses have felt the effects. For Sam Facciolo of Lori’s Cards and Gifts, the recent economic troubles have been a nightmare. “I don’t make any money,” he said. “I haven’t earned a paycheck in the four years I’ve been there. I’ve laid off all my staff.” Facciolo opened his gift shop in the Dove Run Shopping Center in 2005 after having previously run a Hallmark store. He decided to move to Middletown as it was a growing into a commercial area. However, while he had received loyal customers and high ratings for his business, things began to go bad in December 2007 and progressed to the point where he had to close his business.

Read the whole thing here.