For the next week, Northeast Wisconsin will be the home of aviation with the EAA Airventure kicking off in Oshkosh and running into next weekend (story HERE).

And it will deliver a rush of economic impact, about $257 million, with $95 million in Oshkosh alone.

If you’re reading this and you’re from out of town, welcome. We’re happy you’re here and we hope you have a fantastic time.

And please shop local.

I say this because economic impact has become something of a fairy dust concept for me. Coming from Orlando, I’ve had big numbers thrown at me for as long as I can remember, and “impact” never seems to impact anyone I know directly and favorably.

And it’s not just Orlando. More recently here in Green Bay, where the community hosted a spectacular NFL Draft that delivered a terrific time to visitors and became a source of pride for the area. Unfortunately, the “impact” wasn’t felt by many here either (that story HERE).

This isn’t anyone’s fault. But the reason it doesn’t lead to a period prosperity for every John and Jane on Main Street is because that spending is absorbed by national chains and corporations.

Those hotel night stays are at major hospitality companies. You love your hotel night points. I get it.

Those meals are at chain restaurants. They’re right there. I get it.

Those travel expenses are confined to the airport hubs and big box retailers. I kinda get it. The pros already have everything they need. And fans crave familiarity.

So, while our neighbors are working harder, they’re still bringing home the same wage.

The answer is to shop local. Hit those “mom and pop” restaurants and shops. Seek out those Wisconsin based vendors and companies and build Relationships with them. That’s where you’ll have a real impact. And we’ll certainly be a heck of a lot more grateful too.

The outcome will still be a great trip to Oshkosh, and a genuine benefit for Wisconsinites that one day can hopefully fly as high as the event itself.