My dad always said, “Charity begins at home”. I believe this also holds true when it comes to any form of economic recovery. It is not the large corporations that will create jobs and make the United States a world economic leader again. It will be the small individuals and the business that is started in spare bedrooms and garages which will have the biggest affect on our economy.

When I was originally offered work in Idaho, all I knew about Idaho was that it was where potatoes were grown. Since then I learned that Idaho was much much more.

The first thing I noticed about Idaho was the drivers on the road were so polite. In the general people talked slower. Not as slow as people south of the Mason Dixon Line, but definitely slower than California. In addition to many other great factors, living in Idaho lowered my stress level and cost of living.

Being an outsider coming into Idaho, I was amazed at the rich history formed the values and attitudes of those who live here. Some of the first friends, I made were born, grew up and lived most of their lives within a 20 mile radius. These are people who I feel honored to call them my friends.

I has been over 15 years since I left California to live in Idaho. Today, I am proud to call myself an Idahoan for many reasons.

On February 17 of this year, I had the extreme privilege to go to our state capitol building. There in the tables all around the rotunda, three rows deep. Each table display an Idaho business. Standing beside each table were men and women ready to share what that business has to offer.

There was no pressure to buy from that business. They were there just to make know what great business are available to the people of Idaho.

Tomorrow we will look at some of those businesses and how they can save you money, one product at a time.

Tags: Buy Idaho, Idaho History, Mason Dixon Line