Recently, as I was reading the news on the web I came across one of those articles that made me stop and say to myself, “What a great idea.”

It was written by Amy Sancetta of the Associated Press and told the story of Jim Black, a resident of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, who wanted to make a difference in his community by finding a way to support the local, family-owned Chagrin Hardware store which was facing some challenges due to the economic downturn.

Then he had an idea. He would send an email to 40 of his friends and challenge each of them to visit the hardware store on the same day and to each spend at least $20. His friends liked his idea so much they forwarded the email to their friends, who then forwarded the email to their friends, and on and on.

On the appointed day, the Chagrin Hardware store, which has served the community since 1857 and has been run by the same family for the past 72 years, was packed with customers. Many of those who couldn’t make in on that day called in to make purchases over the phone. Clearly, the “Cash Mob” was a huge success and a great way to support a local business.

Since that first “Cash Mob,” there have been many others. A website, cashmobs.wordpress.com, has even been set up to post news of the various “Cash Mobs” springing up across the country.  They’ve included a set of suggested rules, provided tips on how to set up a “Cash Mob,” and are even planning a National Cash Mob Day on March 24 where they are encouraging people from across the country to plan a “Cash Mob” in their communities.

This would be a fantastic way for our communities to show our support for our local, family-owned businesses. Is there a business in Arlington or Marysville that you think deserves the support of you and your friends? Send your friends an email and give them the challenge. Let’s see if we can get some local “Cash Mobs” organized for March 24.

And if you do plan a “Cash Mob,” be sure to include me on the email list and I’ll help get the word out. Our local businesses are important and valued assets in our communities. Let’s show them how much we appreciate them.