Sometimes it seems that the economic downturn will never end.

Nary a day goes by that we don’t hear or see some message of just how bad things are — cuts to local school districts; cuts in city services, programs and staffing; another local business closing; more unemployed and more demand at local food banks are just some of the effects felt in our communities.

But the news isn’t all bad. There is some good news in our communities and it shouldn’t be overlooked.

Despite the economic downturn, it seems that there is some interest in investing in our communities. In just the past few months there have been a number of new businesses — including national, regional and family owned — opening in our communities. Olive Garden opened a new restaurant in Quil Ceda Village and the family-owned Moose Creek Barbecue opened in Smokey Point, Dwayne Lane returned to Arlington and Play It Again Sports opened in Marysville, just to name a few. And, as importantly, most of the local businesses that have called our communities home for years have been able to survive what hopefully will have been the worst of the economic hard times.

But those businesses — both old and new — need our support if they are going to be able to survive and stay in our communities. The economy hasn’t fully recovered and until it does, their survival may be uncertain and may well depend on the support our communities give them.

Both Marysville and Arlington have “Buy Local” programs which encourage local residents to support the businesses in their communities. We need to embrace these programs and truly support our local businesses. So when you’re getting ready to make your next purchase — whether large or small — think first about making it here in our communities and giving our local businesses the support they’ve earned and deserve.

Contact Managing Editor Scott Frank at 360-659-1300 or e-mail at sfrank@marysvilleglobe.com.