For starters, I have nothing against Seattle - a great city, but it is not 30A. All of the products (coffee, paper products, etc.) and services (legal, marketing, accounting, and many other) that Starbuck purchases are not from here, so the money leaves our community. In terms of jobs, they simply left our community, not willing to stick-it our for the long-term, therefore leaving many of the employees un-employed. In terms of benefits, many of the local busineses provide them as well and pay better wages.
The isssue here, is not some much Starbucks as it is the issue of inviting chain stores into our community, thus weaking the character of our community and send their dollars away. We all have dear friends that have built their livelyhood here. They are our neigbors and I expect no one woudl want to see them displaced. Starbucks just happened to make a presence in our community in a strong way and is up against opposition buy those that understand what it takes to survive here.
Anyone that has the privilage to live-in/visit a community that supports their locally owned businesses, and works hard to keep national chains out, understands the essence of this point. They are beautiful, unique communities with with vibrant character. In short they are special and unique.
If we wanted to, we could look like all of the other communites in america and invite all of the chains into 30A. I am sure many here would want that and many would not so there-in lies the dilemma. We do have a choice on how we want to shape our community by where and how we spend our dollars.
Foneville is a beautiful facility and should be an example of this essence. Unfortunatley, some of its glimmer has been dimmenished as it has aligned its brand right next to a brand that promotes supersized lattes, drive-throughs and can be found on the Florida Turnpike truckstops.
Alys beach has been a leader and a champion of new urbanisim, environmental practices, and local living concepts and spent a lot of money and time strengthing their brand around this perspective. I admired them for this, but am concerned about them shifting away from these key values that make them admirable and different from other.