At the Women in Business luncheon Aug. 12, I learned some sad news; one of my favorite stores in Garner, Honeybeez & Co., will close its doors for good Aug. 31.

The shop is filled with handcrafted home accents, baby items and (my favorite) unique jewelry I can only otherwise find on the Etsy website. Bonus – unlike Etsy, there’s no shipping cost and I know the artists are from the Triangle area.

Buying unique items from local artists and being acquainted with the great business owners is part of what makes Garner a “great place to be.”

We have to make sure businesses like Honeybeez & Co. stay in Garner. It is just as important to Garner as the big companies and industries. Each business helps make Garner the place we call our town.

Our Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development staff members have done an amazing job bringing businesses into the area.

However, they cannot stand alone. We have to shop at our local businesses and show support for the quality services on which Garner prides itself.

Without the amazing businesses Garner has to offer, we run the risk of losing that hometown feeling that is so unique to Garner.

These business owners are our relatives, friends and neighbors. It is going to take a village to get through this economy.

The recession isn’t over yet. People are still feeling the effects – being laid off and struggling to find new work. So, let’s start at home in Garner and support one another through this difficult time.

Please make sure to visit our friends at Honeybeez & Co. (located in the Garner TV & Appliance Building on Hwy 70) before the end of the month and tell the owners how much you appreciate their business.

The store is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Honeybeez & Co. online at http://www.honeybeezandco.com.

Thank you to Sherri Mitchell, Brook Brown and Denise Stewart for opening such a wonderful shop. Here’s to a bright and successful future.

In the weeks to come, I hope to feature local small businesses. We have to remember to patronize these shops. If you have an idea for a story or would like to see a specific business owner featured, please contact me at kgriffith@raleighsouthonline.com.